Zelensky Tasks Umerov with Deepening Türkiye Outreach Ahead of Next Negotiations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on February 21, 2026 that preparations are ongoing for the next round of negotiations and confirmed he has instructed National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov to intensify diplomatic engagement with Türkiye and Middle Eastern partners.

In his evening address, Zelensky emphasized that Kyiv is working daily to ensure the upcoming talks produce concrete outcomes.

“We continue working every day specifically so that the next round of negotiations can deliver results for Ukraine, deliver results for peace. Ukraine will definitely do whatever is needed for this and will by no means stand in the way of peace.”

Referring to previous discussions in Geneva, he said:

“Last time in Geneva, the American side clearly saw that it is precisely the Russians who are the reason no truly meaningful results had yet been achieved. And the next meeting must not be a wasted opportunity – it can be done.”

Zelensky confirmed he discussed negotiation preparations directly with Umerov and outlined coordination efforts with European partners.

“We discussed today with Rustem Umerov some aspects of negotiation preparations. And I am grateful to everyone who is genuinely ready to help and who supports us – supports our state. My meetings with European partners are also already scheduled for next week. We will coordinate in detail so that Europe is involved in all processes and grows only stronger.”

He then explicitly referenced Türkiye and the Middle East.

“I also instructed Rustem to work more closely with our friends in the Middle East and Türkiye, so that they also feel invested and can help more.”

Zelensky also said he spoke the same day with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

“I also spoke today with Mark Rutte, Secretary General of NATO. In many respects, we share common views on the diplomatic process and on the situation in Europe.”

In the same address, Zelensky announced new sanctions targeting maritime actors involved in transporting Russian oil.

“Today, Ukraine has introduced new sanctions against the captains of vessels involved in transporting Russian oil – 225 captains. And we will continue to consistently impose sanctions and make them global against everyone who helps Russia earn money for war.”

He urged the European Union to adopt stronger measures in its next sanctions package.

“We very much count, in particular, that the next sanctions package of the European Union takes into account what is needed for real pressure on Russia over this war – for truly restricting Russia’s ability to wage it.”

“This includes, among other things, a ban on maritime services for vessels used by Russia. Europe should come to this. And this is something that could become a significant incentive from Europe for Russia to finally move from war to diplomacy – to real diplomacy.”

Zelensky concluded his address by stating, “The war must be brought to an end.”

The remarks come as Kyiv prepares for another round of trilateral negotiations involving the United States and Russia, while broadening diplomatic engagement with regional actors including Türkiye.