Zelenskyy to visit Türkiye for key diplomatic talks

The head of state noted that he is in Spain today, where talks with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez are planned. According to Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian side expects new agreements that will strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and help protect the lives of citizens.

"Every day in relations with partners must bring results for Ukraine," the president emphasized.

Tomorrow, Zelenskyy will depart for Türkiye. There, talks are expected to focus on intensifying diplomatic processes and a number of decisions that the Ukrainian side will propose to its partners.

Separately, the president stressed that the return of prisoners remains Ukraine's priority.

"We are preparing to intensify negotiations, and we have already developed proposals that we will offer to partners. Bringing the war to a close is Ukraine's top priority. We are also working to resume exchanges and the return of prisoners," Zelenskyy stated.

Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Türkiye

Ukraine and Russia held three rounds of negotiations in Istanbul in May, June, and July 2025.

During the meetings, the Ukrainian delegation confirmed readiness for an immediate ceasefire and outlined key conditions: stopping hostilities, maintaining silence along the entire front line, and ending strikes on civilian infrastructure. However, Moscow refused to approve a ceasefire.

Moreover, after the second round, Russia handed Kyiv a so-called memorandum containing a list of ultimatum demands — the withdrawal of troops from four regions, halting Western assistance, ending martial law and mobilization, holding elections, and ceasing sabotage activities against Russia. According to sources, Moscow is still working on this document.

The only practical result of the negotiations was an agreement on prisoner exchange.

Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that his country is ready once again to act as a mediator in peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.