US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to participate in high-level discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday. The meeting aims to accelerate peace negotiations as Ukraine seeks to end the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelensky emphasized that ‘bringing the war to a close with all our might is Ukraine’s top priority,’ while also highlighting efforts to resume prisoner exchanges. Turkey, which has maintained diplomatic ties with both Kyiv and Moscow, has previously facilitated talks between the two nations. However, no Russian representatives will attend the Ankara meeting, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Peskov noted that while there are ‘no concrete plans’ for President Vladimir Putin to engage with either Erdogan or Witkoff, Putin remains ‘open to a conversation.’ The Ankara meeting marks Zelensky’s fourth stop in a whirlwind diplomatic tour, following visits to Athens, Paris, and Madrid, where he secured energy deals, fighter jet agreements, and arms manufacturing collaborations, respectively. These efforts are part of Zelensky’s broader strategy to bolster European support for Ukraine as Russian forces intensify their offensive, particularly around the strategic eastern city of Pokrovsk. Domestically, Zelensky faces mounting challenges, including corruption investigations involving his inner circle and the resignation of two ministers. The scandal threatens to undermine Ukraine’s credibility as EU leaders prepare to decide on unblocking a €140 billion loan tied to frozen Russian assets. Meanwhile, the fundamental disagreements between Moscow and Kyiv persist, with Russia demanding Ukraine renounce NATO ambitions and withdraw from contested regions, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Zelensky has consistently rejected these terms, arguing that such concessions would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attacks. Despite earlier diplomatic efforts, including a meeting between Witkoff and Putin in April, progress toward a ceasefire has stalled. Recent behind-the-scenes talks between US and Russian officials, including a reported meeting in Washington between Witkoff and Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev, suggest ongoing, albeit discreet, engagement.