Zelenskyy and Erdoğan Discuss Istanbul Talks and Potential Four-Party Peace Summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Saturday, focusing on the ongoing negotiation efforts in Istanbul between Ukrainian and Russian delegations, The Gaze reports.
Zelenskyy thanked Turkey for its steadfast support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the constructive role it has played in hosting peace efforts.
He called the prisoner exchange achieved during the first round of talks a “significant result” — but, regrettably, the only one so far.
“There must be a ceasefire to move toward peace. The killings must stop,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
The leaders also discussed conditions for a second round of negotiations in Istanbul. Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine is only willing to participate in a meaningful meeting, not a symbolic one.
Both presidents exchanged views on the possibility of organizing a four-party summit involving Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the United States. The idea, according to Zelenskyy, could offer a more results-driven format to unlock peace prospects.
President Erdoğan, in a statement released by the Turkish Presidency, said Ankara would continue working for a “just and lasting peace” and was pleased by the swift execution of the prisoner exchange agreed in Istanbul.
Erdoğan added that discussing a ceasefire in the upcoming round of talks would be crucial for progress. He also emphasized that the presence of high-level delegations from both Ukraine and Russia was necessary to maintain momentum toward peace.
The two leaders also touched on Turkey’s participation in the upcoming Ukraine-Southeastern Europe summit and exchanged views on broader regional and international developments.
As The Gaze previously reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of deliberately stalling the war and deceiving global partners by failing to follow through on its diplomatic commitments—most notably, the promised memorandum on ceasefire negotiations.
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