Zelensky Open to Turkey Talks with Putin, Rejects Donbas and Crimea Concessions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told CNN Türk that he is ready to hold a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey, hoping President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan can facilitate the talks. Zelensky said direct presidential dialogue is needed after previous diplomatic contacts failed to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.

"We are ready for this meeting in Turkey. I know that President Erdoğan has his own ties with Putin. That is why we support holding a meeting in Turkey," Zelensky said.

He added that a ceasefire, a monitoring mechanism, security guarantees, reconstruction plans and the status of occupied territories should be on the agenda, but he ruled out any concession that would require Ukraine to hand over the Donbas region or recognize Crimea as Russian territory, calling such moves a violation of the Ukrainian Constitution.

Zelensky also addressed the prospect of Ukraine attending the G20 leaders’ summit in Miami in December. He said Kyiv has not yet received an official invitation but noted signals that President Donald Trump may extend one, potentially alongside a war-ending initiative.

"If Trump extends an official invitation, we will welcome it," he said.

He emphasized that any negotiations on ending the conflict must include Ukraine, stating that the country’s fate cannot be decided without its participation. Zelensky warned that past attempts by other leaders to negotiate without Kyiv have not produced results.

The United States has invited President Putin to the summit and is considering inviting Zelensky, according to statements by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Trump.