Erdogan to mediate peace talks amid Macron's cautionary stance
The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has expressed his readiness to facilitate peace negotiations in Ukraine. During a discussion with the French President, Emmanuel Macron, he highlighted Turkey's willingness to support efforts towards achieving lasting peace.
Key points to note:
- Vladimir Putin has suggested direct peace talks with Ukraine, potentially set for 15th May in Istanbul.
- President Erdogan announced that Turkey is prepared to host discussions aimed at peace in Ukraine.
- French President Emmanuel Macron labelled Putin's proposal a "delaying manoeuvre," stressing that it does not sufficiently advance peace efforts.
Vladimir Putin proposed direct peace discussions with Ukraine that could be held in Istanbul on 15th May. Putin's foreign affairs advisor, Yuri Ushakov, mentioned that the talks should consider the situation on the front and be based on the stalled negotiations from autumn 2022.
The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reiterated to President Emmanuel Macron his willingness to facilitate peace talks in Ukraine.
Erdogan highlighted that the current situation represents a historic turning point that should be leveraged to end the conflict. Turkey is prepared to extend all possible support, including organising negotiations, to secure a ceasefire and durable peace.
French President Emmanuel Macron criticised Putin's proposal, describing it as a "delaying manoeuvre."
In Macron's view, while this could be a preliminary step towards peace, it remains insufficient. The West has repeatedly accused Russia of stalling for time, which Macron believes is the objective of the Kremlin's current offer.
Zelensky responds to Putin's proposals
Volodymyr Zelensky also commented on the negotiations.
"We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire – full, lasting, and reliable – starting tomorrow, May 12th, and Ukraine is ready to meet," he stated on Telegram and X.
"It is a positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the war. The entire world has been waiting for this for a very long time. And the very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire," wrote Volodymyr Zelensky.
