Türkiye proposes holding Russia-Ukraine peace talks

Turkish President meets Ukrainian counterpart, proposes holding peace summit between Kiev and Moscow.

"We remain united with Ukraine, but we also continue to work to end the war through peaceful means based on negotiations. We are ready to hold a peace summit with the presence of Russia," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul on March 8.

The comments came after Mr Zelensky said Russia would not be invited to a Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland next month, but left open the possibility that Russian officials could attend meetings after Kiev's allies agree on a roadmap to peace.

President Zelensky (left) and his counterpart Erdogan after talks in Istanbul on March 8. Photo: AFP

President Zelensky arrived in Türkiye on the morning of March 8 and held talks for more than an hour with Mr. Erdogan, discussing the Russia-Ukraine war situation, security with shipping routes in the Black Sea and cooperation in the defense industry.

Russian officials have not commented on the information. President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit Türkiye before the Russian election on March 15-17.

NATO member Turkey supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity but also maintains close ties with Russia. Ankara regularly talks with Moscow and Kiev and played a role in brokering last year’s Black Sea grain deal.

Turkey hosted several rounds of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, but said no further diplomatic steps were taken to advance the results of those talks. Ankara has frequently proposed holding leaders’ summits to resolve the conflict.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov last week, saying it was time for Moscow and Kiev to start ceasefire talks, but stressed this did not mean recognizing Russia's sovereignty over the areas it controlled after the outbreak of hostilities.

Vu Anh (According to Reuters, AFP )

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