Can Turkey really broker peace between Ukraine and Russia? Inside the peace efforts that aims to revive stalled negotiation
A handout photo made available by BelTA news agency shows a hall ready to host Russia-Ukraine cease-fire negotiations, at an undisclosed location in the Brest region, Belarus, March 7, 2022. Image Credit: EPA via BelTa Handout
In a bid to revive stalled negotiations with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced he will visit Turkey on 19 November 2025. The peace talks, intended to end months of deadlock in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, have not seen direct dialogue since the summer.
Zelensky emphasized that ending the war is Ukraine’s top priority, noting that his team has developed proposals aimed at jumpstarting negotiations. “We are preparing to reinvigorate negotiations, and we have developed solutions that we will propose to our partners,” he stated on social media.
Russia Skips Talks Despite Turkey’s Mediation
The Kremlin confirmed that no Russian representatives, including President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev, would attend the talks in Istanbul. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov noted that while Russia remains open to discussions, it will not participate in the current session.
Turkey, a NATO member maintaining cordial relations with both Ukraine and Russia, has served as a key diplomatic venue since 2022. The Istanbul talks had been anticipated as a potential breakthrough, but Russia’s absence complicates progress.
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Rising Tensions on the Ground
The timing of the Turkey talks coincides with a deteriorating situation on the battlefield. Russian forces are advancing towards Pokrovsk, a strategic city in eastern Ukraine, while continuing attacks on energy infrastructure, leaving residents with frequent power outages as winter approaches.
Recent Russian missile and drone strikes killed at least five people and injured dozens. Amid the violence, Zelensky stressed that his government is working to restore prisoner-of-war exchanges, with past talks facilitating such swaps.
Turkey’s Role in Diplomacy
Turkey continues to act as a neutral mediator, hosting meetings and consultations between Ukraine, the U.S., and other stakeholders. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to join discussions in Istanbul, while Moscow has limited direct engagement.
Analysts suggest that while immediate progress is unlikely, Turkey’s involvement is critical for sustaining dialogue and ensuring that humanitarian and procedural measures, such as prisoner exchanges, continue despite the stalemate.
What’s Next?
While the upcoming Istanbul talks are largely symbolic due to Russia’s absence, Zelensky’s efforts signal a persistent push for diplomatic solutions. Observers expect that Turkey will remain central to any renewed Ukraine-Russia peace initiatives, offering a platform for negotiations, humanitarian discussions, and conflict management.
FAQ: Turkey’s Role in Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks
Q: Why is Zelensky visiting Turkey?
A: President Zelensky is visiting Turkey to revive peace talks with Russia and propose solutions to end the ongoing war.
Q: Will Russia attend the Turkey talks?
A: No, Russian representatives, including Kirill Dmitriev, will not participate in the Istanbul talks this week.
Q: Why is Turkey involved in these negotiations?
A: Turkey is a neutral mediator with friendly relations to both Ukraine and Russia, providing a platform for diplomacy.
Q: What are the current challenges in the peace talks?
A: Talks are stalled due to Russia’s absence, ongoing military offensives, and disputes over territorial control in eastern Ukraine.
Q: Are there any expected humanitarian outcomes?
A: Yes, previous talks have facilitated prisoner-of-war exchanges, and Turkey continues to support dialogue on humanitarian issues.
Q: How is the war situation affecting the talks?
A: Russia’s military advances and attacks on energy infrastructure increase pressure on Ukraine and complicate diplomatic negotiations.
Q: Who else is involved in the Turkey peace talks?
A: U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and other international actors are expected to participate alongside Ukraine.