ANKARA: Türkiye is stepping up efforts to restart peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressing readiness to host high-level talks between the two sides.
Erdogan shared Ankara’s diplomatic push during a meeting with Mark Rutte in the Turkish capital, stating that Türkiye is actively working to revive dialogue and facilitate negotiations at the leadership level to bring an end to the conflict.
Türkiye has maintained working relations with both Moscow and Kyiv since the outbreak of the war in 2022, positioning itself as a potential mediator. Erdogan also emphasized the importance of strong transatlantic ties while urging European allies within NATO to take greater responsibility for regional security.
In a separate conversation, Erdogan briefed Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Ankara’s efforts to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict through diplomacy. He also warned that ongoing global tensions, including the US-Iran situation, could have broader implications for Europe if not addressed through peaceful means.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has formally requested Türkiye to host a leaders’ summit with Russia. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv is open to holding talks in any neutral location, excluding Russia and Belarus, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to push for a negotiated settlement.
On the Russian side, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that President Vladimir Putin would be willing to meet, but only if discussions are aimed at finalising concrete agreements to end the conflict.
As diplomatic activity intensifies, Türkiye’s role as a mediator remains central to efforts aimed at restarting stalled peace talks and moving toward a potential resolution.