Zelensky Meets Erdogan as Trump’s Envoy Witkoff Withdraws from Talks

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Turkey to hold negotiations with the country’s leader, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. During the trip, the Ukrainian president is also expected to meet with the special envoy of US President Donald Trump, Steven Witkoff. However, the visit has already taken an unexpected turn due to Washington’s sudden change of plans.

Restarting Negotiations on Ending the Conflict

Zelensky announced his upcoming visit to Ankara on November 17, stating that he intended to restart discussions aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian leader, Kyiv has prepared new proposals for its partners.

“We are preparing to intensify negotiations, and we have developed solutions that we will propose to our partners. Bringing the end of the war closer by all possible means is Ukraine’s highest priority,”

he said. Zelensky also emphasized that Kyiv is ready to renew talks with Moscow regarding the exchange of prisoners of war.

US Envoy Witkoff Cancels Planned Meeting with Zelensky

The special envoy of the US President, Steven Witkoff, cancelled his planned November 19 meeting with Zelensky, Axios reports. The publication, citing Ukrainian and American officials, reported that Witkoff had been scheduled to meet Zelensky in Turkey on Wednesday but postponed his trip. No official explanation for the decision has been provided.

Earlier reports suggested that the United States is drafting a detailed plan for resolving the conflict in Ukraine and has been consulting with Russia during its development. The document reportedly includes 28 provisions, with Witkoff playing a key role in shaping the proposal.

Umerov Greets Zelensky in Ankara Despite Scandal

Upon arrival in Ankara, Zelensky was unexpectedly greeted by Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) and former Minister of Defense. Umerov left Ukraine amid a major corruption scandal and has since faced growing pressure regarding his involvement in contentious defense-sector dealings.

Umerov arrived at Ankara’s airport alongside other officials meeting the Ukrainian president. Previously, his spokesperson, Diana Davityan, indicated that Umerov might return to Kyiv on November 20 after completing his planned trip to Turkey. However, later reports suggested that Umerov directly informed Zelensky of his reluctance to return to Ukraine.

Anti-Corruption Experts Question Umerov’s Intentions

Daria Kaleniuk, Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Center, expressed doubts about Umerov’s willingness to come back to Ukraine. She recalled recent revelations about businessman Timur Mindich, who allegedly maintained close ties with Umerov through defense-sector channels and influenced several of his decisions.

Kaleniuk noted what she described as a suspicious coincidence: shortly after these allegations surfaced, Umerov departed for Turkey to work on prisoner-exchange issues—raising new questions about his motives and political position.