Zelenskiy Meets Erdogan Amid U.S.-Russia Peace Talks

ANKARA, Turkey — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held important discussions with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, following a report that the United States is debating potential peace proposals with Russia.

A senior Ukrainian official informed Reuters that Ukraine received “signals” regarding U.S. proposals aimed at ending the ongoing war. The source clarified that Ukraine was not involved in crafting these proposals.

This news sparked a significant rise in Ukraine’s government bond prices on Wednesday, marking the largest increase in months. Despite these talks, no direct negotiations have taken place between Ukraine and Russia since a meeting in Istanbul in July.

Russian forces have continued their aggressive military actions, intensifying their campaign as winter approaches. Zelenskiy, addressing his recent travels to Greece, France, and Spain amid a domestic corruption scandal, highlighted that his main focus remains on the war.

“We are doing everything possible to bring the end of the war closer. It is Ukraine’s top priority,” he said on Tuesday.

In 2022, Turkey, a NATO member, facilitated the initial peace negotiations, and Erdogan and Zelenskiy discussed how to achieve a “just peace.” While there have been signs of renewed U.S.-led efforts to revive discussions, Russia has not shown willingness to alter its demands.

Furthermore, a U.S. delegation led by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll arrived in Kyiv for a fact-finding mission and will meet with Zelenskiy on Thursday. This team includes Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, enhancing military ties amidst the ongoing conflict.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked on the situation saying, “So far, there are no innovations on this that can be reported.” The Kremlin continues to press for Ukraine to abandon its NATO aspirations while Ukraine staunchly refuses these conditions.