Trump's influence? Putin to hold talks with Erdoğan on Ukraine war
Photo: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Vladimir Putin announced that he will hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. They are expected to discuss the war in Ukraine and potential negotiations, according to his press conference.
During a press appearance, Vladimir Putin proposed holding direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. Specifically, he suggested May 15 as the date and Istanbul as the location - the same city where talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in 2022.
“As is known, our Turkish colleagues have repeatedly offered their services in organizing such negotiations, and President Erdoğan has done a great deal to facilitate them... Tomorrow, I am scheduled to speak with President Erdoğan of Turkey,” Putin stated.
He added that he intends to ask Erdoğan to provide a venue in Turkey for hosting the talks.
“I hope he will reaffirm his willingness to support the search for peace in Ukraine,” Putin concluded.
Trump brought Erdoğan into peace effort
Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump said he wants to involve Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in efforts to broker a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine.
“I just had a very good and productive call with President Erdoğan of Turkey, covering many topics including the Russia-Ukraine war, everything related to Syria, Gaza, and much more... In any case, I look forward to working with President Erdoğan to help end the senseless but deadly war between Russia and Ukraine - now,” Trump wrote.
As previously reported, on Friday, the US, the "Coalition of the Willing," and Ukraine proposed a full 30-day ceasefire starting May 12. Turkey supported the initiative and stated it was ready to monitor compliance if an agreement is reached.
