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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he discussed with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the potential organization of a four-way summit involving the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the US.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy on Friday described their exchange as a “good and very substantive conversation,” during which he thanked Turkey for its “principled stance in supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty” of Ukraine.
He noted that the prisoner exchange achieved during peace talks in Istanbul was “important,” but emphasized that further progress requires a ceasefire. “The killings must stop,” he said.
Zelenskyy added that Ukraine and Turkey were evaluating the conditions under which Kyiv would agree to a second round of talks in Istanbul. “We share the view that this meeting cannot and should not be empty,” he said.
They also discussed Turkey’s participation in the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit.
“I’m grateful for the steps and ideas that can bring the necessary results,” Zelenskyy said.
On Friday, Turkey’s Communications Directorate said that Erdogan and Zelenskyy spoke over the phone.
The Turkish president told his Zelenskyy that holding talks at the leadership level between Ukraine and Russia after negotiations between delegations will benefit the peace process, a directorate statement said.
Erdogan added that Turkey would continue its efforts to ensure a just and lasting peace between Kyiv and Moscow.
The first round of talks hosted by Turkey in May 2025 led to a large-scale prisoner swap, but no ceasefire agreement. Russia and Ukraine are expected to send delegations to Istanbul again for further negotiations.