Turkey pushes for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine
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 honorable and lasting peace, as stated in the official release.
The dialogue between the leaders of Turkey and Russia once again addressed the ongoing situation related to the war in Ukraine.
Erdogan highlighted how important Turkish-Russian cooperation is. He added that he is prepared to facilitate negotiation talks.
"Türkiye, closely following the process initiated to end the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, stands ready to provide all kinds of support, including hosting the peace negotiations, to secure an honorable and lasting peace," read the statement after the conversation.
Turkey proposes organizing negotiations, not for the first time
Let's recall that this is yet another instance where Turkey has expressed its readiness to take charge of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to end the war. Back in February, Volodymyr Zelensky met with Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
At a joint press conference, Zelensky stressed that "for the war to end in a lasting and stable manner, no negligence can be allowed." This will only be possible when the talks lead to a just, fair peace and are conducted with the participation of everyone, he said, pointing to Ukraine, the USA, and all of Europe. He emphasized that Turkey is an important part of Europe.
Meanwhile, in March, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, after meeting with Prime Minister Donald Tusk, also emphasized that Turkey is "ready to provide a place for conducting peace talks" between Ukraine and Russia and "offer all other necessary assistance." Our region has had enough of tears and war, he declared.
Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also stated that Turkey is ready to send its peacekeeping forces to Ukraine, but only with the consent of both sides of the conflict. Speaking theoretically, if the parties agree to establish peacekeeping forces later, we can get involved, emphasized Fidan in "Hurriyet Daily News." He noted that Turkey does not want to be part of a forced initiative of one side but seeks an agreed-upon solution.
