'In the coming days': Türkiye comments on possible meeting between Russia and Ukraine
Photo: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (GettyImages)
Ukraine and Russia may meet for peace negotiations, Haberturk reports, citing Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
"Our position regarding the war between Ukraine and Russia has been clear from the very beginning. Our President has expressed this repeatedly. Türkiye is trying to fulfill its role through all of its institutions," Fidan said.
Foreign Minister reminded that last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had an "intense diplomatic schedule." In particular, Erdoğan spoke with US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
According to him, it is important that Türkiye is at the center of these negotiations.
"It is important for us to have peace and stability in our region. I think the parties will come to a compromise in the coming days. Both sides are trying to gain support from the US. We are inviting them to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible," Fidan stated.
Putin's proposal for talks in Türkiye
During the night of May 11, Putin rejected the proposal by Ukraine, the US, and the Coalition of the Willing countries for a ceasefire starting May 12 during a press conference. Instead, the Russian President proposed returning to the negotiations in Istanbul that began back in 2022, starting from the point where they were interrupted.
The world leaders responded critically to Putin's initiative - most believe that the Kremlin is trying to buy time in such a way and prolong the war. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Kyiv is ready for negotiations with Russia, but only on the condition that Moscow agrees to a ceasefire starting May 12.
According to Macron, by proposing talks in Istanbul, Putin is trying to stall for time, and Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský believes that "Putin wants to keep shooting."
