“As Turkey, we are doing everything possible to open the way to peace and will continue to do so,” Erdogan said. He added that after his meeting with Zelensky, Turkey aims to hold negotiations with Putin to “examine the Russian aspect of this issue.” Erdogan confirmed Turkey’s readiness to facilitate continued talks between Russia and Ukraine.
The Turkish president noted that his colleagues, primarily the foreign minister, will conduct negotiations with partners to prepare the Russian side for the meeting. This diplomatic push follows discussions in Istanbul on October 31, where Erdogan and Zelensky reviewed preparations for upcoming trilateral talks and the possibility of holding future negotiations in Turkey.
The Kremlin has responded to the prospect of a direct conversation between Putin and Erdogan with cautious openness. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that there are currently no specific plans for such a meeting. However, he noted that if the need arises, the meeting could be organized in a short timeframe.
This diplomatic activity occurs against the backdrop of scheduled trilateral negotiations between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia, set to take place on November 10 and 11 in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. These talks are expected to focus on further steps toward peace. Additionally, Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, has discussed meetings in Brussels regarding Ukraine’s reconstruction and financing for 2027.
Turkey’s role as a mediator has been consistent, with Ankara emphasizing its commitment to bridging the gap between the warring parties. The upcoming UAE talks represent a significant parallel track to these bilateral efforts, highlighting a multi-front diplomatic approach to the conflict.
The next expected event is the trilateral meeting in the United Arab Emirates on November 10, where officials will assess progress toward a cessation of hostilities.
