Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is en route to Ankara for direct negotiations with Russia, a senior Ukrainian official confirmed.
Speaking under condition of anonymity, the official told Reuters late Wednesday, “We’re on the way,” citing the delicate nature of the mission.
The talks mark a significant shift as Kyiv and Moscow prepare for face-to-face dialogue amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has named his country’s delegation for the summit but will not attend personally, Kremlin sources say.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump will also not join the discussions, a U.S. official confirmed, despite earlier hints he might participate.
Trump had reportedly considered going to Ankara if Putin had planned to show up, but both leaders will now remain absent.
The absence of the two prominent figures adds uncertainty to the high-stakes meeting set for Thursday in the Turkish capital.
Turkey, a NATO member with ties to both Russia and Ukraine, continues to position itself as a mediator in the conflict.
Ankara has previously hosted rounds of diplomatic engagement, but none have led to a lasting resolution between the warring nations.
Zelenskiy’s journey signals renewed hopes for dialogue, though expectations remain measured amid a complex and volatile backdrop.
Officials in Kyiv have not disclosed the specific agenda or Ukraine’s negotiation stance heading into the talks.
Global attention now turns to Ankara, where fragile diplomacy meets the weight of a devastating and unresolved conflict.