Erdoğan stresses importance of Istanbul talks for Ukraine peace

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a joint press conference at the Presidential Complex, during which Erdoğan highlighted the importance of the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

Erdoğan described the Istanbul talks as a significant milestone in pursuing a diplomatic solution amid the escalating humanitarian and economic consequences of the war. He emphasised that implementing the Istanbul process with comprehensive measures would be beneficial in addressing the urgent challenges arising from the war, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media. 

The Turkish president also called on all international partners seeking to halt the bloodshed in the region to adopt a constructive approach to the Istanbul process. 

He reiterated that Türkiye remains ready to engage in discussions with Russia on proposals aimed at accelerating a ceasefire and establishing a just and lasting peace.

Erdoğan also reiterated that Türkiye will continue to support the Crimean Tatars, who have historical and cultural ties with Ukraine, as well as the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of its strategic partner, Ukraine.

The Istanbul talks on July 23 marked the third round of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine since May 2025, following a pause in formal talks since 2022. The Russian delegation, led by Vladimir Medinsky, proposed the creation of these working groups to address key aspects of the conflict, including prisoner exchanges and humanitarian concerns. During the meeting, both sides agreed to a significant humanitarian exchange involving over 1,200 individuals, though broader issues like a ceasefire remain unresolved.

By Sabina Mammadli