Ukraine’s Security Chief Discusses Prisoner Returns and Peace Efforts During Turkey Visit.

Rustem Umerov’s Working Trip to Turkey

According to Novyny.live: Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, traveled to Turkey on an official working visit. The talks focused on securing the return of Ukrainian prisoners and advancing the peace process. While there, Umerov met with several high-ranking Turkish officials:

• Defense Minister Yaşar Güler,
• Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan,
• National Intelligence Organization head İbrahim Kalın,
• and Akif Çağatay Kılıç, advisor to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The discussions covered the security landscape, the status of ongoing negotiations, and how to coordinate future actions against shared threats. Umerov commented:

“We talked about the security situation, the progress of the negotiation process, and coordination on next steps regarding common threats.” - Rustem Umerov

He also stressed Turkey’s role as a key partner:

“We aligned our approaches for further cooperation. Turkey plays an important role as a partner and a platform for dialogue.” - Rustem Umerov

Turkey has historically served as a mediator in the conflict, hosting earlier rounds of talks between Ukraine and Russia.

Peace Process Negotiations

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans for an online discussion with the United States centered on the peace process. In remarks on the negotiations, Zelenskyy stated that “the idea of Ukraine leaving Donbas in exchange for guarantees is effectively an ultimatum from Russia.” That comment highlights the complexity of the situation and the need for coordinated international efforts to resolve the conflict.

Umerov’s visit to Turkey underscores the importance of international coordination on security matters and the peace process in Ukraine. As a strategic partner, Turkey could play a pivotal role in talks around prisoner returns and regional stabilization. The continued dialogue at the international level—including with the United States—also reflects the growing reliance on diplomacy to address the conflict.