Erdoğan comments on U.S. elections and diplomatic initiatives for Ukraine

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the outcome of the U.S. midterm elections and ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine while returning from a visit to South Korea on November 5, 2026. Regarding the U.S. elections, Erdoğan stated it is premature to draw conclusions about future relations, emphasizing that ties between Ankara and Washington remain deeply rooted and based on a solid foundation as NATO allies. He reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining a close dialogue with the U.S. government, the House of Representatives, and the Senate.

Simultaneously, the Turkish President announced plans to engage in discussions with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. This follows a meeting held the previous Saturday in Turkey with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where they discussed the war's trajectory and potential paths toward a resolution. Erdoğan reiterated Turkey's role as a mediator, expressing his ambition to facilitate a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leadership on Turkish soil to restore peace. Turkey intends to continue its diplomatic efforts to open pathways toward a negotiated settlement of the conflict.