Zelensky Concludes Diplomatic Tour in Turkey After Spain Visit on Air Defense

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky concluded a focused diplomatic tour on November 17, 2025, culminating in a high-level meeting in Ankara, Turkey, following an earlier engagement in Madrid, Spain, on November 16, 2025. The central aim of this concentrated travel was to secure international backing for Ukraine's defense capabilities and to advance the prospects for resuming stalled peace negotiations regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia.

On November 17, President Zelensky met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the Turkish capital. The agenda prioritized efforts to revitalize the peace negotiation process, a critical component of Ukraine's long-term security framework. Discussions also included a comprehensive review of the bilateral strategic partnership, focusing on concrete measures to deepen cooperation across various sectors. Turkey maintains a strategically vital position, often serving as a key mediator in the conflict, making this meeting significant for Kyiv's diplomatic outreach.

This visit to Turkey immediately followed President Zelensky's meeting in Spain on November 16, 2025, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The focus in Madrid centered distinctly on immediate wartime requirements, specifically securing further enhancements to Ukraine's air defense infrastructure and addressing pressing national energy needs. During the Spanish leg, President Zelensky formally acknowledged and expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Spanish government. Both leaders also conducted a joint evaluation of the ongoing process concerning Ukraine's aspiration for integration into the European Union.

The diplomatic schedule targeting key NATO and regional partners in late 2025 aligns with a persistent priority for Kyiv: securing advanced air defense systems, such as Patriot or SAMP/T batteries, to protect critical infrastructure from aerial bombardment. Turkey's role, as highlighted by the meeting with President Erdoğan, involves leveraging its unique geopolitical position, particularly concerning the Black Sea Grain Initiative and maintaining open diplomatic channels with Moscow. The emphasis on strengthening the strategic partnership suggests a progression toward a more enduring security and economic alignment, which observers note is crucial for Ukraine's post-conflict reconstruction planning.

The entire tour, spanning Madrid and Ankara, represents a calculated, multi-faceted approach to navigating the complexities of the conflict. It demonstrates a concerted push to build a robust international consensus supporting Ukraine's negotiating position while simultaneously shoring up its immediate defensive posture through coordinated contacts with allies and regional partners.