Kyiv signals willingness to meet in any neutral location outside Russia or Belarus as diplomatic efforts continue.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Ukraine has formally asked Turkey to host a potential meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as Kyiv pushes to revive negotiations aimed at ending the prolonged conflict.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Ukraine raised the proposal with Turkish officials and other governments, emphasizing that Kyiv is open to holding talks in any neutral country outside Russia or Belarus.
“We asked the Turks about it, we asked some other capitals,” Sybiha said in remarks to reporters. “But if another capital, besides Moscow and Belarus, organizes such a meeting, we will go.”
Ukraine’s position reflects longstanding opposition to holding talks in Belarus, a close ally of Moscow that permitted Russian forces to use its territory during the 2022 invasion. Kyiv has also rejected the possibility of negotiations taking place in Russia, despite previous statements from the Kremlin indicating it would be willing to host Zelenskyy in Moscow.
Sybiha did not provide details on Turkey’s response to the proposal or whether discussions have advanced beyond initial outreach.
The Ukrainian government has repeatedly sought a direct meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin as part of efforts to accelerate a resolution to the war, which has now extended beyond four years.
Separately, Sybiha said he has exchanged written messages with Anita Orban, who is expected to assume the role of foreign minister in Hungary following recent election results.
Diplomatic efforts remain ongoing as Ukraine continues to explore options for restarting negotiations, with no confirmed timeline or location for a potential summit.
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