Erdoğan tells Putin what's needed for Ukraine talks
Photo: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (Getty Images)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan outlined the main condition for negotiations with Ukraine to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He is ready to host the talks in Türkiye in case of a ceasefire, according to the Turkish president's press service.
"President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone conversation with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin," the statement said.
Erdoğan agrees to host talks in Türkiye
According to the report, during the conversation, Erdoğan informed Putin that his statement about resuming peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul from where they left off was welcomed and that Türkiye is ready to host negotiations that will lead to a final resolution.
What Erdoğan said about the ceasefire
At the same time, Erdoğan stated that "a window of opportunity for peace has opened" and a comprehensive ceasefire would create the necessary environment for peace talks.
No mention of ceasefire in Russia's statement about Putin and Erdoğan's conversation
Russia also published a summary document after the Erdoğan-Putin conversation. However, it makes no mention of the Turkish president's call for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
"The initiative to resume direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations, which are proposed to be held in Istanbul starting May 15, was discussed in detail," the statement said.
It also noted that Recep Tayyip Erdoğan "fully supported this Russian proposal," emphasizing Türkiye's readiness to provide the Istanbul venue.
"The Turkish side will offer all possible assistance in organizing and conducting negotiations aimed at achieving sustainable peace," the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
Putin's proposal for negotiations in Türkiye
On the night of May 11, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin held a press conference. During it, he rejected the ceasefire proposed by Ukraine, the US, and the Coalition of the Willing starting May 12.
Instead, Putin suggested continuing the negotiations in Istanbul, which began in 2022, from where they left off. It was reported that Putin would discuss this issue with Erdoğan.
Most world leaders, responding to Putin's proposal about Istanbul, believe that Putin is stalling and wants to continue the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continued to promote the position that Ukraine is ready to meet for negotiations with Russia, but first, Moscow must confirm a ceasefire starting May 12.
According to French President Emmanuel Macron, Putin, by proposing negotiations in Istanbul, wants to buy time, while Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský believes that "Putin wants to keep firing."
