Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

The President of Ukraine announced a planned conversation with Erdogan to add real substance to a possible meeting. He also noted that neither Ukraine nor Turkey have information about the Russian "memorandum".

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Turkey and Erdogan for their support in the release of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers from Russian captivity. They also discussed diplomatic efforts to end the war.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will soon arrive in Ukraine after a visit to Russia. During the meeting, peace efforts and bilateral cooperation will be discussed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Turkey for its mediation and identified three realistic locations for negotiations with the Russian Federation. He rejected Russia's proposal regarding Belarus and awaits sanctions from the United States.

The Trump administration has issued orders to ease sanctions on Syria to help the country rebuild after the war. The US Treasury Department has issued a license allowing transactions involving the Syrian government.

In Istanbul, about 70 people were detained, including 49 city hall officials, including the head of security and heads of municipal enterprises. They are accused of corruption crimes.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has stated that he does not plan to run for president after 2028. He aims to enhance the country's reputation, rather than seek re-election.

On May 18, 2025, no enemy missile carriers were recorded in the Black and Azov Seas. There are 3 enemy ships in the Mediterranean Sea, one of which is a carrier of Kalibr cruise missiles.

Turkish company Türkiye has discovered a new gas field in the Black Sea. The reserves will be able to supply households with gas for approximately 3.5 years.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated the importance of a ceasefire in Ukraine. He emphasized the readiness of the parties for direct negotiations in Istanbul.

A trilateral meeting between representatives of Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey is scheduled for 12:30.

European supporters of Ukraine are preparing for increased sanctions against Vladimir Putin due to his refusal to participate in negotiations regarding Ukraine in Turkey.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed negotiations, sanctions against the Russian Federation, and the Russian offensive with Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ukraine does not recognize the occupied territories as Russian.

In Ankara, the presidents of Ukraine and Turkey discussed security guarantees, including in the Black Sea. They also discussed the reconstruction of Ukraine with the participation of Turkish companies.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that initially Ukraine was under more pressure than Russia to cease fire. Ukraine has shown its willingness to compromise for the sake of peace, but the pressure should be on the aggressor.

The Russian delegation views the negotiations in Istanbul as a continuation of the peace process interrupted in 2022. According to Medinsky, the delegation is настроєна on конструктив and searching for a solution to the conflict.

Turkey is ready to host Ukraine and Russia for continued dialogue if both sides are willing. Erdoğan stressed that negotiations are important to avoid casualties.

Zelenskyy stated that Russia does not respect Erdogan and Trump by sending a delegation to Turkey.

The Ukrainian delegation is heading to Istanbul for negotiations with the participation of the USA, Turkey and Russia. Zelensky expressed hope that the meeting will not be just for show.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that together with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, he will join the summit of the European Political Community in Tirana on May 16. More than 40 leaders will be present there.

A representative of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, will make a statement following the meeting with Ukraine in Turkey. The statement is scheduled for 17:30 Moscow time.

The Russian Consulate General stated that negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul have not been cancelled yet. A statement from the Russian delegation, including Medinsky, is expected at 17:30.

Negotiations between Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have concluded.

The Ukrainian delegation may visit Istanbul for negotiations with the Russian Federation to assess the seriousness of the Russians' intentions. Zelenskyy will discuss further steps after a conversation with Erdogan.

The British Prime Minister stated that Putin is the reason for stalling the ceasefire in Ukraine, after he failed to appear at peace talks in Turkey.

The head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, said that Moscow seeks to establish long-term peace at the first direct negotiations with Ukraine in three years. Negotiators from the United States will join the meeting.

The Russian delegation for negotiations included the head of the GRU, Igor Kostyukov, who is under US and UK sanctions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Turkey for talks. He said his presence there is a clear signal to the Russian dictator.

A meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Turkey has begun in Ankara. Erdoğan will discuss a ceasefire, and Zelenskyy will decide on negotiations with the Russian Federation in Istanbul.

President Trump said his priority is to end wars, but he will not hesitate to use American power if necessary. The US also offered assistance in negotiations between India and Pakistan.