Istanbul, November 20, 2025 – The Europe Today: Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the importance of implementing the Istanbul process on the Ukraine war within a comprehensive framework capable of addressing urgent challenges, during a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday.
Highlighting Türkiye’s role as a mediator, Erdogan noted that Ankara hosted three rounds of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, during which “progress was made.” He added that the talks enabled the parties to directly address ceasefire and peace discussions, as well as military issues. “We consider all of these to be valuable steps,” he said.
“The Istanbul talks constitute an important milestone in diplomatic efforts at a time when the devastating effects of the war are deepening,” Erdogan stressed, underlining Türkiye’s commitment to supporting dialogue aimed at ending the conflict.
Erdogan also pointed to the escalating attacks on energy infrastructure and the resulting loss of life, describing these developments as causing irreparable damage to both sides. He expressed Ankara’s readiness to discuss with Moscow “any proposals that would accelerate a ceasefire, paving the way for just, lasting peace.”
Türkiye expects all partners seeking to halt the bloodshed to adopt a constructive stance on the Istanbul process, Erdogan said.
Bilateral Relations and Trade Commitments
During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed bilateral relations. Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine, and reiterated Ankara’s backing of the Crimean Tatars, highlighting the historical and cultural ties shared between the two nations.
Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing war, Erdogan said Türkiye aims to increase bilateral trade volume with Ukraine to $10 billion. He added that Turkish entrepreneurs who continued operations in Ukraine under difficult circumstances will play a key role in supporting the country’s reconstruction efforts.
The joint statements by Erdogan and Zelenskyy reflect Ankara’s dual focus on diplomatic mediation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the strengthening of bilateral economic and cultural ties with Ukraine.
