Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on Wednesday for high-level talks focused on reviving diplomatic efforts to end the war, now nearing its fourth year.

Speaking at a joint press conference, President Erdoğan pressed for the resumption of the "Istanbul Process" and reaffirmed Türkiye's steadfast support for Ukraine's sovereignty.

President Erdoğan stressed that the Istanbul talks, which hosted direct Russian and Ukrainian delegations earlier this year, remain an "important milestone" for a diplomatic solution, especially as the "devastating impacts of the war are deepening for both sides."

"During today's talks, we discussed the need to continue the Istanbul Process with a pragmatic and results-oriented approach," Erdoğan stated. "We believe it would be beneficial for the Istanbul process, with a more comprehensive framework, to be resumed in a way that can address the now-acute problems."

The Turkish leader highlighted that the "increasing attacks on energy infrastructure and the loss of lives cause irreparable devastation," urging all international partners to display a constructive approach toward the Istanbul process.

President Zelenskyy arrived in Türkiye as part of a short diplomatic tour of European allies aimed at "reinvigorating" negotiations and gathering additional international support. His visit follows meetings in France and Spain earlier in the week, where he reportedly sought to accelerate talks for a "just peace for Ukraine."

While the Kremlin confirmed that no Russian representatives would be present in Ankara for these latest discussions, Zelenskyy previously stated that Ukraine is preparing "solutions" to propose to its partners, with ending the war being the country's "top priority." He also expressed hope for the revival of prisoner of war (POW) exchanges, an area where Turkish mediation has historically been successful.

Beyond the peace process, the leaders focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between Türkiye and Ukraine.

President Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye's "commitment to the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of our strategic partner Ukraine," also noting support for the Crimean Tatars, with whom Türkiye shares a historical bond.

Despite the war's challenges, Türkiye aims to increase its bilateral trade volume with Ukraine to $10 billion. Erdoğan vowed to support Ukraine's reconstruction efforts with the help of Turkish entrepreneurs who have "courageously continued their work" in the country.

Erdoğan also voiced Ankara's support for the involvement of the United States in the peace process, stating the need for proposals that will "accelerate the ceasefire and pave the way for a fair and lasting peace." (ILKHA)