Türkiye ready to host Ukraine peace talks, Erdoğan tells Putin

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has informed Russian President Vladimir Putin of Ankara’s readiness to host negotiations on Ukraine, according to a statement from the Turkish Presidential Administration.

Erdoğan welcomed Putin’s remarks on resuming peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, stating that a comprehensive ceasefire would create the necessary conditions for meaningful negotiations, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

"Bilateral relations between Türkiye and Russia, as well as regional and global issues, were discussed," the Turkish president’s office said following the conversation. "President Erdoğan welcomed Russian President Putin’s statement about resuming peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul and expressed Türkiye’s readiness to host negotiations that would lead to a lasting solution."

"A window of opportunity for peace has opened, and a comprehensive ceasefire would provide the necessary conditions for peace talks," Erdoğan stressed.

In a separate phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Erdoğan said Türkiye is ready to make any contribution — including hosting negotiations — to ensure a ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine. 

“President Erdoğan stated that a historic turning point has been reached on the path to ending the war between Ukraine and Russia, that this opportunity must be seized, and that Türkiye is ready to contribute in any way, including organizing negotiations, to secure a ceasefire and lasting peace,” the Turkish presidency stated.

Erdoğan also emphasised that “it is important to continue cooperation in the delicate process of resuming permanent peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia and rebuilding Ukraine,” the statement concluded.

By Khagan Isayev