Turkey reiterates offer to host Ukraine-Russia peace talks
The presidents of Turkey and Russia had a phone conversation. Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized that he is ready to provide all kinds of support, including organizing peace negotiations with Ukraine, to ensure an honourable and lasting peace, as stated in an official communiqué.
The conversation between the leaders of Turkey and Russia once again touched upon, among other things, the situation related to the war in Ukraine.
Erdogan stressed the importance of Turkish-Russian cooperation. He added that he is ready to organize negotiation talks.
Turkey is keeping a close watch on efforts to end the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and has expressed its willingness to offer any form of assistance, including hosting peace talks, to help achieve a dignified and lasting resolution, according to the statement released after the discussion.
Turkey proposes organizing negotiations, not for the first time
Let us recall that this is not the first time Turkey has declared its readiness to facilitate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to end the war. As recently as February, Volodymyr Zelensky met with Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
At a joint press conference, Zelensky emphasized that "for the war to end in a lasting and stable way, no negligence can be allowed." He added that this will only be possible when negotiations lead to a fair, just peace and they must include the participation of everyone involved, including Ukraine, the USA, and all of Europe. He highlighted that Turkey is an important part of Europe.
In March, Turkey's President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, after meeting with Prime Minister Donald Tusk, also emphasized that Turkey is "ready to provide a venue for holding peace talks" between Ukraine and Russia, as well as "provide all other necessary assistance." He stated, "Our region has already had enough of tears and war."
Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also declared that Turkey is ready to send its peacekeeping forces to Ukraine, but only with the consent of both sides of the conflict. He said, "Theoretically speaking, if the parties agree to establish peacekeeping forces at a later stage, we can engage." Fidan emphasized in "Hurriyet Daily News" that Turkey does not want to be part of a forced initiative by one party but seeks an agreed solution.
