Ankara — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a high-level meeting in Ankara on November 19, 2025, focusing heavily on renewed diplomatic efforts to halt the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war. The discussion placed particular emphasis on reviving the Istanbul peace talks, a negotiation platform that Türkiye has supported since the early stages of the conflict.
The meeting underscored Türkiye’s continued attempt to position itself as a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow, an approach that blends diplomacy, economic interests, and regional security considerations.
A Meeting Centered on Diplomacy
The Ankara talks marked one of the most substantive engagements between the two governments in recent months. As the war continues to evolve with shifting frontlines and fluctuating international involvement, Türkiye has sought to re-establish itself as a central diplomatic actor.
Erdoğan Calls to Revive Istanbul Negotiations
During the meeting, President Erdoğan reiterated the need to reactivate the Istanbul process, which hosted some of the earliest negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in 2022. According to Erdoğan, the format remains one of the few established platforms where both sides previously expressed willingness to discuss critical issues.
He emphasized that any revived talks would require a broader and more comprehensive agenda, reflecting the increased complexity of the war over the past three years.
Zelensky Highlights Türkiye’s Diplomatic Leverage
President Zelensky acknowledged Türkiye’s unique diplomatic position, stating that Ankara’s voice “carries weight in Moscow.”
His remarks signaled Ukraine’s ongoing reliance on Türkiye as a communication bridge, particularly at a time when direct channels between Kyiv and Moscow remain limited.
Humanitarian Issues: Focus on Prisoner Exchanges
One of the concrete topics discussed in Ankara was the resumption of prisoner exchanges, an area where Türkiye has historically facilitated communication between the parties.
Zelensky expressed hope that exchanges could resume before the end of 2025. He credited Türkiye with helping maintain the humanitarian dialogue mechanisms required for such arrangements, even during periods of intensified military activity.
Türkiye Affirms Support for Ukraine’s Sovereignty
President Erdoğan reiterated Ankara’s official position on the conflict:
Türkiye supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence.
At the same time, the Turkish government continues to emphasize the need for dialogue with all parties, including Russia. Erdoğan stated that Ankara remained open to discussing with Moscow “any proposals that could accelerate a ceasefire and pave the way for a just and lasting peace.”
Türkiye’s Distinct Role in the Russia–Ukraine War
Türkiye’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war differs significantly from that of most NATO members. Its strategic posture is shaped by geography, economic interdependence with Russia, longstanding security ties with Ukraine, and its broader foreign-policy objective of serving as a regional power broker.
Below is an overview of Türkiye’s role across several key domains.
1. Military Cooperation with Ukraine
Despite maintaining diplomatic and economic ties with Russia, Türkiye has provided notable military support to Ukraine.
Bayraktar TB2 Drones
The Bayraktar TB2 drones manufactured by the Turkish defense company Baykar became widely recognized in the early stages of the war for their effectiveness against Russian equipment and positions.
Naval Support
In addition to drones, Türkiye is involved in the construction of warships for the Ukrainian Navy, a long-term project aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s maritime capabilities in the Black Sea.
2. Economic and Energy Relations with Russia
Türkiye has not imposed sanctions on Russia, a position that sets it apart from most Western nations. As a result, trade between the two countries has continued at significant volumes.
Key areas include:
- Energy: Türkiye remains a major importer of Russian natural gas.
- Tourism: Russian visitors form a substantial part of Türkiye’s tourism industry.
- Agriculture and commodities: Food and raw materials continue to flow between the two countries.
This economic relationship has allowed Ankara to maintain communication channels with Moscow that many other governments lack.
3. Control of Maritime Access Under the Montreux Convention
One of Türkiye’s most consequential actions in the conflict stems from its responsibility under the 1936 Montreux Convention, which gives Ankara authority over naval access to the Black Sea.
Early in the war, Türkiye closed the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits to warships, a move that limited Russia’s ability to strengthen its naval position. The decision helped prevent the conflict from expanding further into the maritime domain.
4. Mediator in Diplomatic Initiatives
Türkiye has hosted and facilitated several significant diplomatic efforts since the war began.
Black Sea Grain Initiative (2022)
In partnership with the United Nations, Türkiye brokered the agreement that allowed the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, alleviating pressure on global food markets.
Istanbul Peace Talks (2022)
Türkiye held some of the earliest high-level negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian representatives, producing a tentative framework before talks eventually stalled.
Additional Talks in 2025
Ankara hosted another round of discussions in July 2025, although no major breakthrough was achieved.
The November 2025 meeting signals Türkiye’s intention to continue facilitating dialogue despite stalled progress.
Implications of the Ankara Meeting
While no major agreements were reached, the meeting produced several notable outcomes and potential developments.
1. Renewed Diplomatic Momentum
Erdoğan’s public call to revive the Istanbul format suggests Türkiye is preparing to take a more active role in upcoming diplomatic efforts. With few formal negotiation channels currently functioning, Türkiye’s involvement could reintroduce a structured forum for discussions.
2. Continued Humanitarian Negotiations
The focus on restarting prisoner exchanges indicates that humanitarian cooperation remains a realistic area of progress, even if broader political negotiations are stalled.
3. Strengthened Bilateral Relations
The meeting reaffirmed the multi-dimensional relationship between Türkiye and Ukraine, spanning defense, trade, and political coordination.
4. Türkiye’s Position as an Interlocutor
Given its ability to engage both Kyiv and Moscow, Türkiye remains one of the few states with the necessary access to facilitate dialogue. This dynamic may become increasingly important as international attention oscillates and battlefield conditions shift.
A Strategic Balancing Act
Türkiye’s approach to the Russia–Ukraine war continues to balance its NATO commitments, economic interests, regional security concerns, and diplomatic ambitions.
Its military support for Ukraine, economic ties with Russia, and control of crucial maritime routes give Ankara a unique and sometimes delicate role in the conflict.
The Ankara meeting between Erdoğan and Zelensky illustrates how Türkiye seeks to leverage this position. Whether the effort will lead to renewed peace talks remains uncertain. However, the discussions demonstrate that Türkiye intends to remain deeply involved in the diplomatic dimensions of the war.
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