Erdoğan, Zelensky meet in Ankara, call for swift end to war

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ankara, urging an end to the war. The leaders signed agreements and discussed Ukraine’s sovereignty, peace efforts, and security.

Wednesday February 19 2025 01:39 pm

Duvar English

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Feb. 18 hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Presidential complex in the capital Ankara province.

During a joint press conference, Erdoğan called for the end of the war between Ukraine and Russia.

Erdoğan expressed condolences to the Ukrainian people for those who lost their lives in the war, which was entering its fourth year. He said Zelensky's visit came at a time of potentially significant changes in the war's dynamics.

He emphasized Turkey's intensive efforts to establish peace between the parties, hosting direct negotiations in Istanbul in March 2022 and launching the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Over the past three years, Turkey engaged in direct initiatives with both Russia and Ukraine at all levels.

He noted that former U.S. President Donald Trump had launched a diplomatic initiative to end the war quickly through negotiations, aligning with Turkey’s policy.

Erdoğan said Turkey would be an ideal host for potential talks. He reiterated Turkey's strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence and vowed to assist in achieving lasting peace. "This war must end now," he said.

Zelensky praised Turkey’s firm stance on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

He said the leaders discussed key issues, including the consequences of Russia's war. He stressed that Ukraine must be included in European security talks alongside the U.S. to ensure lasting peace.

"We must not make any mistakes in achieving a lasting peace," he said. If negotiations succeeded, security guarantees would be established with the participation of these countries, he added.

The leaders also discussed bilateral relations, new agreements, and decisions covering sensitive areas. Zelensky noted that Ukrainian orphaned children were now in Turkey, as part of a project led by his wife, Olena Zelenska, in cooperation with Emine Erdoğan. He expressed gratitude for their efforts.

During the Q&A session, Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, saying these principles were essential. "We have raised this issue in every meeting and will continue to do so. Ukraine’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable," he said. He stressed that peace had no losers and must be achieved swiftly. "My dear friend has also expressed his desire for peace," Erdoğan said, adding that Turkey's foreign minister would continue diplomatic efforts.

Zelensky insisted that peace must come under fair conditions. "You can negotiate with any country, but ending the war without Ukraine at the table is unacceptable," he said.

He expressed surprise at Russia’s talks in Saudi Arabia, which Ukraine learned about through the media. He dismissed interest in who was involved and said he would not visit Saudi Arabia. Instead, he maintained contact with the country's leadership, setting March 10 as a visit date. He also invited U.S. officials to Kyiv.

Erdoğan called for a fair peace, emphasizing that powerful nations must support the process. "The whole world now expects peace between Russia and Ukraine," he said. "So many have died. This must end."

Zelensky said no side could win the war solely through military means. "Ukraine has defended its independence, but we paid a high price—our people's lives," he said. Diplomacy was essential for achieving a just peace, he added.

He criticized the lack of negotiations over prisoners of war, calling for their return. "In any war, ordinary people must be able to return home," he said. He stressed that if Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted to end the war, a prisoner exchange should be the first step. He also questioned who would provide security guarantees to prevent future conflicts.

Zelensky asserted that Ukraine would never recognize Russian control over any of its territories. "Every occupation results in serious losses," he said. "Every human life is priceless."

He expressed disappointment in the European Union for failing to provide strong support for Ukraine’s NATO membership. "Two things matter: a strong Ukrainian military and the presence of strong allied forces in Ukraine," he said. He said Ukraine was open to discussing troop deployments and had spoken with Erdogan about the matter.

"The dynamics of this war have accelerated. We must understand security guarantees," he said. "No matter how difficult it is, Ukraine will never legally recognize its territories as part of Russia."