Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Visit to Türkiye (February 2025)

Ukraine State This is the official visit by Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenskiy to Türkiye on 18 February 2025. During the visit, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Volodimir Zelenskiy met at Ankara to discuss regional issues and held a common press meeting.

Details of the Visit

The aircraft carrying Zelenskiy and his delegation landed at Ankara Esenboğa Airport on 17 February 2025 at 21:08 and was greeted by officials. The official program of the visit began on 18 February 2025 at the Presidential Complex.

President Erdoğan welcomed Zelenskiy at the entrance of the Presidential Complex and posed for photographs in front of the Turkish and Ukrainian flags. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, and Presidential Foreign and Security Advisor Akif Çağatay Kılıç also participated in the talks. Following the closed-door meeting, a bilateral dinner was held.

Joint Press Conference

Following his meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a joint press conference was held as part of Zelenskiy’s official visit to Türkiye. At the meeting held at the Presidential Complex, the leaders made statements on bilateral relations, the Russia-Ukraine War, regional developments, and potential diplomatic steps to be taken in the coming period.

President Erdoğan expressed his satisfaction at welcoming Zelenskiy to Ankara and emphasized that the talks took place at a critical moment when conditions and regional dynamics had changed. Erdoğan noted that Türkiye had been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts since the first day of the war to establish peace and recalled Türkiye’s previous role in facilitating peace talks between the parties in Istanbul. He underscored that recent diplomatic initiatives by President Donald Trump to end the war through negotiations paralleled Türkiye’s own policies.

President Erdoğan affirmed Türkiye’s determination to continue its peace initiatives in the region and its role as a trusted mediator between the parties. He stated that Türkiye believes it is among the most suitable hosts for potential talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, and reiterated that contacts with both sides will continue and that Türkiye stands ready to provide all possible support for achieving peace in the region.

Zelenskiy expressed his appreciation for Türkiye’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and soil territorial integrity. The Ukrainian President outlined Ukraine’s expectations for ending the war through a just and lasting peace, stating: “If negotiations are fair and Ukraine, the United States, and Europe are present at this table, these guarantees will be developed with the participation of all these countries. Of course, Türkiye is among these countries. I am grateful to President Erdoğan for this understanding.”

The press conference also clarified that the talks were not limited to security and diplomacy but also addressed bilateral relations between Türkiye and Ukraine, trade, defense industry, and reconstruction efforts. President Erdoğan indicated that Turkish companies could play an active role in Ukraine’s reconstruction and that Türkiye is prepared to offer support in this regard. Projects concerning Ukrainian orphaned children and humanitarian aid were also discussed.

Furthermore, the leaders answered questions from journalists. President Erdoğan emphasized that Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are among Türkiye’s fundamental principles, saying: “Our hope is that peace has no losers. Therefore, we strive to ensure peace is achieved as soon as possible.”

Zelenskiy responded to questions regarding the Russia-US talks held in Riyadh by stating: “The Russia-US talks in Riyadh were a surprise to us. We learned about them from the media.” He affirmed that Ukraine does not accept decisions about its future being made without its participation.

Agreements Signed Between Türkiye and Ukraine

During Zelenskiy’s visit, two important agreement were signed between Türkiye and Ukraine. First, the “Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Education between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine” was signed by Turkish Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin and Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in the field of education between the two country.

Second, the “Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Media and Communications between the Presidential Communications Directorate of Türkiye and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine” was signed by Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun and Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha. This memorandum aims to promote collaboration and exchange of experience in media and communications between the two countries.

Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, in a post on his social media account, expressed his belief that this cooperation would contribute to the development of joint projects in media and communications and deepen mutual understanding.

Inauguration of the Embassy and Zelenskiy’s Statements

During his visit to Türkiye, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenskiy inaugurated the new building of Ukraine’s Embassy in Ankara. Representatives from the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar diasporas also attended the opening ceremony. In his speech, Zelenskiy emphasized his country’s commitment to territorial integrity, its expectations for peace, and the importance of cooperation with Türkiye.

Peace and Security Guarantees

In his speech, Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine desires an end to the war but that such peace must be based on robust security guarantees. He emphasized the need for a broad security framework involving the United States, the European Union, and Türkiye, and called on these countries to assume the role of guarantors to ensure the sustainability of peace.

Zelenskiy reaffirmed that Ukraine’s stance on sovereignty and territorial integrity remains unchanged and that while the country prioritizes peaceful solutions, it will not make any concessions on its territorial integrity or sovereignty.

Türkiye’s Role in Prisoner Exchanges and Food Security

Zelenskiy acknowledged Türkiye’s assistance in prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. He stated that for his country, “the return of Ukrainians home” and “food security” are critical issues.

Zelenskiy said: “Thanks to Türkiye’s efforts, we were able to establish the food corridor. Due to Russia, the food corridor was disrupted and people across the entire world, especially those in need, could not access these products.”

Zelenskiy thanked all countries working on food security, noting that tons of products had been sent to African nations and Syria, and stressed the importance of these supplies originating from Ukraine.

Embassy Building

Zelenskiy also highlighted the significance of the new embassy building for Ukraine. He said that upon being presented with the project idea, he supported it immediately and believed the building would serve as a fitting diplomatic center for Ukraine.

Zelenskiy announced that the new building would be handed over to Neriman Celal, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Ankara.

Crimean Tatars and Ukraine’s Territorial Integrity

Zelenskiy reminded the audience that Ukraine recognizes Crimean Tatars as an integral part of Ukraine’s domestic people and emphasized the strong ties between this community and Ukraine.

Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine prefers diplomatic channels to recover occupied territories because human life is the most valuable entity and because it does not wish to see the war lead to further can losses. He affirmed that Ukraine is seeking a peaceful resolution without bloodshed but will not compromise in any way on its sovereignty or territorial integrity.