Erdoğan, Meloni explore possibility of Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Istanbul

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a phone call on May 13 with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to discuss diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

The conversation focused on Türkiye’s readiness to host peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, Caliber.Az reports per Italian Government.

Both leaders reaffirmed their support for what they described as a “just and lasting” resolution to the conflict.

Prime Minister Meloni expressed her appreciation for Türkiye’s ongoing commitment to facilitating negotiations. She reiterated the hope that Russia, following Ukraine’s example, would respond positively to the invitation for high-level talks and agree to a total and unconditional 30-day ceasefire.

To recall, Russia and Ukraine are set to resume high-level negotiations in Istanbul on May 15, marking a renewed diplomatic effort brokered by Türkiye. These talks follow a prolonged period of stalemate, with both nations firmly entrenched on military and political fronts.

Ankara has confirmed the meeting preparations, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan seeking to re-establish Türkiye’s mediation role, similar to its involvement in the 2022 talks that led to the now-collapsed Black Sea grain agreement.

Ukrainian officials have stressed that the talks will not involve any territorial compromises, reiterating their stance that any peace agreement must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In contrast, Moscow has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, but insists that its "new realities" — including its territorial annexation claims — be recognised.

By Aghakazim Guliyev