Erdoğan pushes to revive Istanbul talks between Ukraine and Russia with broader scope
Photo: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Türkiye (Getty Images)
Türkiye has proposed reviving negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian officials in Istanbul, but with a broader scope, said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Erdoğan said that during talks with Zelenskyy, he stressed the need to continue the Istanbul format "with a pragmatic, results-oriented approach."
According to the Turkish leader, as the devastating effects of the war intensify for both Ukraine and Russia, the Istanbul talks have become key milestones in efforts to find a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
He noted that intensified attacks on energy infrastructure and human losses are causing irreversible damage to both sides.
"We consider it appropriate for the Istanbul process to resume with a broader agenda, aimed at resolving issues that have already reached a critical point. We also expect constructive support for the Istanbul negotiation process from all our partners in the region who seek to end the bloodshed," he added.
Istanbul negotiations
Ukrainian and Russian officials have held several rounds of talks in Istanbul. The main outcome of the dialogue was large-scale prisoner exchanges.
However, no progress was made toward a peaceful resolution of the war. Several factors contributed to this.
First, Russia sent a delegation of low-level officials who have no real decision-making power in the country.
Second, Moscow did not drop its ultimatums and continued to insist on conditions for a ceasefire and war settlement that were unrealistic.
