Phone Call Between Turkish and U.S. Presidents
On October 28, 2026, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump. During their conversation, Erdogan expressed Turkey's willingness to play an active role in reviving diplomatic negotiations between Ukraine and Russia with the aim of ending the ongoing conflict. This discussion took place just one day before Turkey’s Republic Day, celebrated on October 29.
The leaders also covered a range of topics including bilateral relations between Turkey and the United States, as well as regional and global issues. Particular focus was given to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Yemen. Erdogan emphasized:
“Turkey is prepared to contribute to efforts aimed at restoring diplomatic talks between Ukraine and Russia and facilitating a ceasefire through this process.”
Progress Toward a Three-Party Peace Meeting
In recent months, President Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have engaged in multiple rounds of talks with representatives from Ukraine and Russia. On October 21, 2026, Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg. Putin expressed Moscow’s readiness to resume trilateral negotiations involving the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia in early November. This meeting came shortly after Witkoff’s discussions in Oslo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and leaders from Norway and Finland.
Zelensky announced that the anticipated trilateral summit is likely to take place between November 6 and 10, 2026. The Kremlin confirmed ongoing preparations for the event, with Abu Dhabi being considered as a possible venue. Key topics on the peace agenda include:
- Ceasefire agreements concerning energy infrastructure and maritime zones,
- Exchange of prisoners of war,
- Release of Ukrainian civilians currently detained in Russian prisons.
On October 27, 2026, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a phone call with Vladimir Putin, coordinated with Ukraine. Zelensky described the conversation as honest and businesslike, noting that Stubb and Støre clearly communicated the urgent need for tangible de-escalation measures affecting Ukraine’s energy and critical infrastructure.
Against the backdrop of intensified diplomatic efforts, Turkey, the United States, Ukraine, and Russia continue working toward a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The upcoming window from November 6 to 10 marks a critical period for the planned trilateral talks, following significant meetings earlier in October. These negotiations have the potential to shape the future of regional stability and security.
As the situation evolves, Europe's involvement is becoming increasingly vital in the upcoming trilateral discussions. With Moscow signaling a willingness to engage in negotiations post-November 4, the dynamics of the peace process could shift dramatically, highlighting the importance of a coordinated international response to facilitate a resolution.