Anna Hartz
Direct Talks Between Zelensky and Putin Could Happen Soon
Diplomacy has often been the last bridge standing during wars. Even when battles continue, leaders sometimes turn to talks to search for a way out.
The war in Ukraine has dragged on for more than two years, and the question of whether Russia and Ukraine’s leaders might meet directly is once again being raised.
Putin Satisfied with Turkey
On August 20, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to the Kyiv Independent.
The Kremlin said the two discussed the war in Ukraine and possible paths toward dialogue. Putin expressed satisfaction with Turkey’s earlier role in hosting talks between Russian and Ukrainian representatives in Istanbul.
During the call, Putin also told Erdogan about his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska on August 16. That summit was the first between the two since Trump entered office in January.
Turkey has remained in a unique position since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. It has kept relations with both Kyiv and Moscow, and in the past it has hosted negotiations in Istanbul.
Possible Locations
Erdogan has pushed for his country to play a role as a mediator and in July he suggested Turkey could serve as a venue for direct talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Hungary has also been floated as a possible location. A U.S. administration source told Reuters on August 19 that the idea is being considered.
On the same day, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that such a summit could even take place within two weeks.
Zelensky has said many times that he is open to direct negotiations. On August 18, he repeated that he is willing to personally discuss territorial questions with Putin.
The Kremlin has also spoken of openness to dialogue, but it has not confirmed any commitment to a meeting.
The last face-to-face meeting between Zelensky and Putin happened in Paris in December 2019.
That was during the Normandy Format talks with France and Germany. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the two leaders have not met in person.
