Following his visit to Turkey and talks with the country's leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Kiev's preparation for diplomatic contacts in a trilateral format involving Ukraine, the USA, and Russia, scheduled for the first half of November 2026. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing a joint press conference of the heads of state. The meeting took place on Turkish territory and served as an occasion to discuss not only bilateral issues but also the architecture of the future negotiation process with the participation of international partners.
Trilateral Format and November Timeline
According to Zelenskyy, the parties "detailed further diplomatic steps and the involvement of international partners in the negotiation process." The Ukrainian president explicitly pointed to the timeframe: "We are currently preparing for a trilateral format Ukraine — USA — Russia in the first half of November." Thus, Kiev confirms that preparations for contacts are already underway, and November 2026 is becoming a key window for the potential launch of direct or indirect negotiations with the participation of Washington.
Turkey and Europe as Potential Participants
Zelenskyy placed special emphasis on the possibility of expanding the geography and composition of the negotiation platform. "We discussed with Erdogan the prospects of such a format and other opportunities, in particular, the possibilities of involving Turkey, Europe, all partners. The possibilities of meeting here, in Turkey," the Ukrainian leader stated. This means that Ankara is viewed not only as the host nation for future rounds but also as a potential full participant in the diplomatic track. European partners were also mentioned among those Kiev intends to involve in the process.
Black Sea Security and Grain Corridor
A significant part of the meeting was devoted to the situation in the Black Sea region. Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia has been "systemically worsening" security in the waters "since 2014" and noted Ankara's consistent support for Ukraine's sovereignty and steps to protect safe navigation. According to TSN, the leaders also agreed on further joint work to restore and ensure the stable operation of the Black Sea Grain Corridor: "Today, President Erdogan and I agreed to work on the Black Sea Grain Corridor. Our goal is to make sure that this corridor continues to exist and operates effectively," Zelenskyy stated. The parties discussed specific ideas and proposals that can help resolve these tasks.
Signals to Moscow and Conditions for Peace
Concluding his speech, Zelenskyy formulated Kiev's position regarding Russia: achieving peace requires "strong decisions," and a "clear signal at all levels" must be sent to Moscow that there is no alternative to peace, and international partners' support for Ukraine will continue. Earlier, as RBC-Ukraine recalls, Zelenskyy had already transmitted signals to Vladimir Putin through the leaders of Finland and Norway, indicating Kiev's multi-channel diplomatic activity ahead of the November contacts.
