ALBAWABA- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Ankara on Wednesday for high-stakes talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, seeking to revive stalled peace efforts as Russia escalates its air campaign across Ukraine.
After laying a wreath at the Anıtkabir mausoleum with Erdoğan, Zelenskyy headed to the Presidential Palace for discussions focused on restarting the “Istanbul process.”
Erdoğan called for its resumption on a “broader scope,” reaffirming Turkey’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and insisting that Crimea and other occupied regions “are part of Ukraine.”
Reports circulated about possible U.S. involvement, amid news of a Pentagon delegation in Kyiv discussing a new peace framework, though Washington has not confirmed envoy Steve Witkoff’s participation.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Zelenskyy struck an upbeat note, saying peace efforts were “intensifying” and that “there is no alternative to peace.”
He praised Ankara’s consistent messaging to Moscow and voiced hope that prisoner exchanges could resume by year’s end, the first since October, aiming to bring home “a large number” of detained soldiers and civilians.
Erdoğan said Turkey was ready to convey proposals to Russia, including those involving the United States, “to achieve a just peace.”
The diplomatic outreach unfolded against a backdrop of deadly overnight attacks. Russia launched more than 470 drones and 48 missiles across Ukraine, killing at least 25 people, including three children, with Ternopil among the worst-hit regions.
On the front lines, Moscow’s forces continue struggling to gain ground near Pokrovsk, despite encircling several towns, according to assessments by the Institute for the Study of War. Kyiv is also pressing a $44 billion claim against Russia for climate damage caused by the war.
The Ankara summit could offer a rare opening in the diplomatic impasse, even as Zelenskyy faces mounting domestic pressure over corruption investigations. “We’re activating every channel,” he said, underscoring the urgency of securing progress on the peace track.
