Erdogan accepts Putin’s request to host Russia-Ukraine talks

Ankara is ready to help Moscow and Kiev pick up the settlement process “where they left off” in 2022, the president has said

Türkiye is prepared to host peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. The country hosted talks between Moscow and Kiev in 2022, although they never resulted in a breakthrough.

In a phone call on Sunday, Erdogan welcomed Putin’s recent statement suggesting that “talks between Russia and Ukraine would continue in Istanbul from where they left off,” adding that Ankara “was ready to host negotiations that would lead to a permanent solution.”

“President Erdogan stated that a window of opportunity had opened for peace and that a comprehensive ceasefire would create the necessary environment for peace talks,” the readout of the call said.

In another phone call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, Erdogan said Türkiye was prepared to offer “any kind of contribution,” including facilitating negotiations and supporting efforts for a ceasefire and lasting peace, according to the statement from the presidency’s press service.

“President Erdogan stated that a historic turning point had been reached on the way to ending the war between Ukraine and Russia, and that this opportunity should be seized,” the readout of the call said.

Erdogan also said it was important to maintain cooperation on launching formal peace efforts and on steps to help rebuild Ukraine.