Zelenskyy proposes meeting Putin in Türkiye; Kremlin expresses willingness

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye, asking Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to use his channels to broker the summit.

Proposals for a Summit

Speaking in a media interview on Saturday, Zelenskyy stated that delegations and technical working groups lack the authority to settle certain outstanding issues. He argued that only the two heads of state hold the power to make binding decisions and expressed support for Türkiye as the venue, citing President Erdogan's established lines of communication with Putin, according to China Media Group (CMG).

Zelenskyy told CNN Türk that "we are ready for this meeting in Türkiye," noting that Türkiye could serve as a "practical and realistic mediator." He emphasized that a meeting between leaders is necessary because "technical teams may have difficulties achieving results during meetings," but he believes leaders can resolve issues if they demonstrate will. Zelenskyy stated that security guarantees, Ukraine's reconstruction, and territorial issues should be discussed at the leader level, though he maintained that Ukraine will not recognize Russian jurisdiction over occupied areas.

Kremlin Response

In Moscow, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov told reporters that Putin has never refused to speak with Zelenskyy. Regarding a potential meeting, Ushakov said, "If Zelenskyy wants to speak with the Russian leader in person, he is welcome to visit Moscow." He added, "He is sending signals through various sources. If he really wants to negotiate, he is free to come [to Moscow]."

Ushakov also stated to Russian state television network Vesti that Putin would accept a direct telephone call from Zelenskyy if initiated by Kyiv, asserting, "I think he would answer, of course."

Upcoming Diplomatic Efforts

Diplomatic efforts are expected to continue through several formats:

• Abu Dhabi Talks: The Kremlin stated that trilateral negotiations among Russia, Ukraine, and the United States will resume in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in early November to focus on security matters. US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said the discussions will focus on "post-war security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian efforts, and next steps toward peace."
• APEC Summit: Ushakov announced preparations for a trilateral meeting involving Putin, US President Donald Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for Nov. 18-19.

Why it matters

While Zelenskyy seeks a leader-level summit to address complex issues like sovereignty and borders, the Kremlin has indicated a willingness to engage via telephone or in Moscow, even as trilateral exploratory talks are scheduled to resume in the United Arab Emirates.

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Sources

• news.cgtn.com: Zelenskyy proposes meeting Putin in Türkiye, Kremlin says in Moscow - CGTN
• ukrinform.net: Zelensky says he is ready to meet Putin in Türkiye
• kyivpost.com: Ushakov: Putin Would Answer Phone Call From Zelensky
• bbc.com: Russian bombing kills 26 people at humanitarian aid centre in Ukraine, Kyiv says

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.