Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara today, Wednesday, 19 November 2025, in a high-stakes bid to reinvigorate stalled peace negotiations with Russia and resume prisoner exchanges. The talks come at a critical moment for Ukraine, which faces intensified Russian military assaults in the east and a damaging corruption scandal at home.

The meeting in the Turkish capital, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon East Africa Time (EAT), aims to leverage Turkey's unique diplomatic position as a NATO member that maintains open channels with both Kyiv and Moscow. A key objective for Zelensky is to secure greater international involvement, particularly from the United States, to pressure Russia back to the negotiating table. However, initial reports that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff would join the discussions have been contradicted. A senior Turkish official, who initially confirmed Witkoff's attendance to the Associated Press, later retracted the statement, indicating he would not be coming. US officials also told media they were unaware of any imminent travel plans for Witkoff. The Kremlin has confirmed that no Russian representative will attend the talks but stated President Vladimir Putin is open to hearing about the outcomes.

US-Russia Backchannel and Battlefield Pressure

The Ankara summit unfolds against a backdrop of separate, secret discussions between the US and Russia on a new peace proposal. According to reports by Axios citing US and Russian officials, US Envoy Witkoff and his Russian counterpart, Kirill Dmitriev, have been discussing a 28-point plan to end the war. This framework reportedly covers peace in Ukraine, security guarantees for Europe, and the future of US relations with both nations. Ukrainian officials, including National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, have reportedly been briefed on the plan.

Zelensky's diplomatic push is underscored by a deteriorating situation on the battlefield. Russian forces are closing in on Pokrovsk, a strategic city in the eastern Donetsk region, in one of the most consequential battles of the war. This military pressure is compounded by a severe domestic crisis for Zelensky. His government has been rocked by a large-scale corruption investigation involving senior officials and the state nuclear company, leading to the resignation of two ministers. The scandal has prompted warnings from some European Union leaders about the need for greater anti-corruption efforts as Kyiv seeks further financial aid.

The visit to Ankara is the latest stop on a whirlwind European tour for President Zelensky, who is seeking to shore up international support. In recent days, he secured a deal in Paris to obtain up to 100 fighter jets, discussed cooperation with arms manufacturers in Madrid, and signed a gas deal in Athens.

Implications for Kenya and East Africa

While geographically distant, the war in Ukraine continues to have significant economic repercussions for Kenya and the wider East Africa region. The conflict has disrupted global supply chains, leading to volatile prices for essential commodities. Kenya, which imports a substantial portion of its wheat and fertilizer from the region, has experienced increased costs for these goods, impacting food security and agricultural productivity. The war has also contributed to higher global fuel prices, further straining the Kenyan economy.

Turkey's role as a mediator is of particular interest to the region. The 2022 Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered by Turkey and the United Nations, was crucial in allowing Ukrainian grain exports to reach global markets, including Africa, helping to stabilize food prices. Any progress in the Ankara talks that could lead to a de-escalation of the conflict or new agreements on safe passage for exports would be closely watched in Nairobi.

The Kenyan government has maintained a principled stance on the conflict. At the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland in June 2024, President William Ruto condemned Russia's invasion as unjust and a violation of international law. However, he also stressed the necessity of including Moscow in negotiations to achieve a lasting peace. This position aligns with the African Union's broader call for a negotiated settlement. A Kenyan media outlet, The Kenya Times, has reported on the Ankara meeting, highlighting the diplomatic complexities of holding talks without Russian participation. The outcome of this latest diplomatic effort could influence future global commodity prices, directly affecting the cost of living for Kenyans.