Zelensky Open to Meeting Putin in Turkey While Firmly Rejecting Territorial Concessions

Presidents of Ukraine and Russia Consider Talks

According to ХВИЛЯ: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his willingness to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In an interview with Turkish broadcaster CNN Türk, Zelensky stressed that surrendering Ukrainian land to Russia is unacceptable. He emphasized that any negotiations must prioritize a complete and unconditional ceasefire, supported by a reliable monitoring system.

The meeting between Zelensky and Erdoğan took place in Istanbul. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned the possibility of President Donald Trump inviting Zelensky to the G20 summit scheduled for December in Miami. Zelensky welcomed this prospect, stating,

“There have been signals that President Trump may invite us to the G20 summit to launch an initiative aimed at ending the war. Naturally, if the invitation is official, we will support it.”

Proposals for Black Sea Security Measures

In addition, Zelensky proposed basic security protocols for vessels flying Turkish and other flags operating in the Black Sea. He pointed out that

“One of the rules should guarantee that ships under Turkish or other flags can safely enter Ukrainian ports without fear of Russian attacks.”

He also expressed hope for a technical delegation meeting involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia in Abu Dhabi, potentially before mid-November.

Zelensky strongly reiterated,

“We will never relinquish our territories, though Russia desires them. They are conveying this message, including through American intermediaries, demanding that we voluntarily withdraw from areas they failed to seize. This is an irrational and unwise demand.”

A Turkey-mediated summit between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents could mark a significant move toward easing the conflict, yet Ukraine’s stance on maintaining its territorial integrity remains resolute. The potential U.S. support at international platforms like the G20 summit highlights growing global backing for Ukraine amid the crisis. Furthermore, discussions about Black Sea security underline the critical importance of regional stability in light of ongoing Russian military actions.

As the situation evolves, the potential for a meeting between Zelensky and Putin highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the conflict. For further insights into the backdrop of these discussions, including US involvement and advancements in defense projects, read more about Zelensky's confirmation of talks and US-backed initiatives.