Turkey ready to support Russia-Ukraine peace talks at every step: Erdogan

IANS May 13, 2025 444 views

Turkish President Erdogan has emerged as a key mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, actively pursuing diplomatic solutions through high-level phone conversations with both Putin and Zelensky. His government is proposing to host peace talks in Istanbul, highlighting Turkey's strategic role in potential conflict resolution. The negotiations face challenges, with Ukraine demanding a ceasefire and Russia preferring talks without prior truce conditions. Despite previous unsuccessful negotiations in 2022, both Erdogan and Turkish officials remain committed to facilitating dialogue between the warring parties.

"Turkey has become a pivotal actor in global peace diplomacy" - Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Turkey ready to support Russia-Ukraine peace talks at every step: Erdogan
Ankara, May 13: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, reiterating Turkey's commitment to facilitating peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, according to a statement by Erdogan's office.

Key Points

1

Erdogan commits to hosting peace talks between Russia and Ukraine

2

Putin proposes negotiations in Istanbul on May 15

3

Zelensky demands immediate ceasefire before talks

4

Turkish diplomacy seeks conflict resolution

Erdogan emphasised that a comprehensive ceasefire is essential to create the proper environment for initiating talks and urged all parties to seize the current window of opportunity for a diplomatic dialogue aimed at ending the conflict. He expressed his willingness to host the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Turkey on the occasion of peace negotiations, Xinhua news agency reported.

The call with Zelensky came just one day after Erdogan spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the Turkish president said his country is ready to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul again. Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Monday, Erdogan said Turkey had become a "pivotal actor in global peace diplomacy," citing its role in offering mediation, humanitarian aid, and conflict resolution.

Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan echoed the president's message, stating that Turkey is "ready to provide all kinds of contributions, especially in terms of facilitating and hosting" the Russia-Ukraine negotiations. During a joint press conference on Monday in Ankara with his Syrian and Jordanian counterparts, Fidan noted that discussions are still ongoing regarding the modalities of the proposed meeting.

"Ukraine demands a ceasefire before talks begin, while Russia prefers to start negotiations prior to any truce being declared," Fidan said, adding both sides are seeking to secure continued US support. "Despite this, our position is clear. We invite both parties to come together as soon as possible to initiate a ceasefire," he stated.

In a statement to journalists at the Kremlin on Sunday, Putin proposed the resumption of direct negotiations with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul. Putin said Russia remains committed to serious negotiations with Ukraine to address the root causes of the ongoing conflict and lay the groundwork for a lasting and stable peace.

In response, Zelensky said it is a positive sign that Russia has begun to consider ending the war. However, he required a ceasefire starting Monday as the first step towards the goal.

In 2022, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators held direct talks in Istanbul but failed to reach a consensus on halting the fighting.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Turkey is playing a smart diplomatic game here. As a neutral mediator between Russia and West, they're gaining global influence. India should take notes - we have good relations with both sides too. Maybe we can also offer to host such talks in future conflicts.
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Priya M.
Hope this leads to actual peace 🤞 The war has caused enough suffering. But I'm skeptical - both sides have very different conditions. Russia wants talks before ceasefire, Ukraine wants opposite. Turkey's efforts are commendable though.
A
Amit S.
Interesting how Turkey is positioning itself as peacemaker while also being in NATO. Their balancing act is impressive. But will US allow any peace deal that doesn't completely isolate Russia? Doubtful. The real decision-makers aren't in Istanbul or Moscow.
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Sunita R.
The world needs more countries like Turkey willing to mediate conflicts. War benefits no one except arms dealers. India should support these peace efforts - we know the cost of conflict from our own borders. #GivePeaceAChance
V
Vikram J.
Turkey hosting talks is good, but let's not forget they've been supplying drones to Ukraine while buying Russian oil. Their neutrality is questionable. India has maintained a more principled neutral position in this conflict.
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Neha P.
The real test will be whether both sides show flexibility. Russia needs to withdraw from occupied areas, Ukraine needs to accept some compromises. As an Indian, I just hope innocent lives are saved. The world can't afford more war when we have so many other crises.

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Tags:
Turkey Russia-Ukraine War Erdogan Zelensky Putin Peace Negotiations Diplomacy