Leader talks should follow Ukraine-Russia negotiations — Erdoğan
President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (Getty Images)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that, following the conclusion of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations, peace efforts would benefit from talks at the level of state leaders, according to the press service of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye.
On May 30, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
During the conversation, Erdoğan said that discussing a potential ceasefire during the second round of negotiations — expected to take place in Istanbul — would be an important step toward achieving peace.
According to President Erdoğan, the participation of both countries' delegations in the upcoming talks in an expanded format is crucial for maintaining the positive momentum of the peace process.
"President Erdoğan expressed his belief that, following the conclusion of negotiations between the delegations, leader-level talks would benefit the peace process and should be held without unnecessary delay," the statement said.
Second round of peace talks in Istanbul
The second round of peace negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian delegations is scheduled to take place in Istanbul on June 2.
In recent days, Kyiv submitted a memorandum with its ceasefire proposals to Moscow. The Kremlin has claimed it is preparing its own proposals, but no official document has been submitted so far.
Due to the delay in the Russian proposal, the Ukrainian side has indicated it might withdraw from the talks. However, advisers close to US President Donald Trump have urged Kyiv not to make such statements.
Additionally, on May 30, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with President Erdoğan the possibility of a four-way summit involving the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and the United States.
