Media: Turkish leader to propose ceasefire plan for Ukraine at G-20 summit

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is preparing to present a new peace initiative to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine during the G-20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Erdogan’s plan reportedly involves freezing the conflict along current territorial lines, delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations for a decade, and establishing a demilitarized zone in the contested Donbas region, monitored by international forces, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Erdogan has positioned Türkiye as a mediator throughout the war, balancing its NATO membership with close ties to both Kyiv and Moscow. The proposal aims to prevent further territorial losses for Ukraine while addressing Russia’s security concerns. Turkish officials acknowledge that Ukraine is unlikely to accept the terms easily but argue that halting the fighting is crucial to avoid escalating losses.

The Turkish president hopes to host potential peace talks in Istanbul, citing intelligence that Ukraine could lose more ground unless the war is frozen. His plan also seeks to reassure Ukraine’s allies by guaranteeing military aid to Kyiv and deferring decisions on the long-term status of occupied territories.

Erdogan’s initiative comes as international urgency for a resolution grows, with North Korea reportedly sending troops to support Russia and concerns about reduced US support under Donald Trump’s potential return to the presidency. While some allies may see Erdogan’s plan as a pragmatic step, scepticism remains about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to negotiate and Ukraine’s readiness to compromise.

By Vugar Khalilov