Erdogan proposes peace summit with Russia, Zelenskyy rejects idea of Moscow's presence

He has reminded that Türkiye has been and continues to contribute to the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine through negotiations from the very beginning.

"We are ready to host a peace summit to which Russia will be invited," adds the President of Türkiye.

Zelenskyy's reaction

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy states that they have discussed the Ukrainian Peace Formula a lot today. He has informed Erdogan about the preparation for a peace summit at the leaders' level.

"The special role of Türkiye deserves your country's leadership to be demonstrated at the peace summit for the full realization of the peace formula," says the President of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy also has reacted to the format proposed by Erdogan. According to him, Ukraine does not see representatives of Russia at this summit.

"We do not see how we can invite people who are blocking, destroying, and killing everything. We want to get results. The result is a fair peace for Ukraine. Therefore, first, civilized countries will develop a plan, and then representatives of Russia who want a fair peace will be involved," adds Zelenskyy.

Not Erdogan's first attempt

At the end of February, the President of Türkiye stated that his country was ready to resume the negotiation process between Russia and Ukraine, which previously took place in Istanbul.

"On the other hand, we are ready to resume the negotiation process for peace, which previously took place in Istanbul, to restore peace," added President Erdogan.

Also recently, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin publicly hinted that he would be open to discussing the cessation of the war in Ukraine on Moscow's terms. The contours of the agreement he likely wants to conclude can be seen in the draft peace treaty drawn up by Russian and Ukrainian delegations in April 2022.