Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, strengthening diplomatic ties amid reports that the United States is formulating a peace plan to end the ongoing conflict with Russia. While discussions are being held, Ukrainian representatives have not been involved in the preparation of these proposals, according to a senior Ukrainian official who spoke to Reuters.
The prospect of a renewed US-led initiative has sparked a significant uptick in Ukraine’s government bond prices, marking the largest increase in months. This positive market reaction occurred on Wednesday, following the announcement of Zelenskiy’s diplomatic engagements.
Despite ongoing hostilities, including a recent strike that resulted in the deaths of 25 individuals, diplomatic efforts appear to be gaining traction. Since the last face-to-face talks in July 2023 in Istanbul, there have been no direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Zelenskiy emphasized his commitment to reinvigorating peace discussions, asserting that achieving a “just peace” is Ukraine’s highest priority.
Focus on Diplomacy and Prisoner Exchanges
In a press statement after his meeting with Erdogan, Zelenskiy expressed hope for a revival of prisoner-of-war exchanges with Russia by the end of the year. He stated, “Of course, we talked substantively about the situation in diplomacy. And now many processes have become more active, and we are trying to ensure that all activity is aimed specifically at peace.”
Turkey’s role as a mediator is significant, as it hosted the initial peace talks in the early stages of the war in 2022. The nation has maintained relationships with both Ukraine and Russia, positioning itself as a potential bridge for dialogue.
The Kremlin has indicated that while Russian representatives will not participate in the proposed talks, President Vladimir Putin remains open to discussions with both the United States and Turkey regarding the outcomes of these negotiations. A report from Axios has indicated that the US is working on a roadmap to facilitate peace in consultation with Russian officials.
US Military Delegation Visits Kyiv
A US delegation, led by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, is currently conducting a “fact-finding mission” in Kyiv. The delegation includes Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, who is expected to meet with Zelenskiy on Thursday. This visit underscores the United States’ ongoing involvement in addressing the conflict and its support for Ukraine.
A Turkish source mentioned potential discussions involving US special envoy Steve Witkoff, although no official confirmation of his visit has been released. The Turkish Foreign Ministry has stated that Turkish officials are set to meet exclusively with Zelenskiy, indicating a focused approach to these discussions.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the international community watches closely to see if the proposed peace initiatives can lead to a cessation of hostilities and a more stable future for Ukraine. The situation remains fluid, with Russia firmly controlling approximately 19 percent of Ukrainian territory while continuing its military operations. The winter months pose additional challenges, especially as attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure persist.
