Russia-Ukraine war: Erdogan offers Istanbul as negotiation location

The President of Turkey, Recep Erdogan, has declared his willingness to keep Istanbul available as a venue for further negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

In a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, Erdogan reiterated his intention to continually promote the peace talk process.

The leaders exchanged views on the conflict in light of the updated peace plan by the United States, which has been mediating since President Donald Trump returned to office.

Putin told Erdogan that the latest proposals were in line with what had been discussed during the Russia–US summit in Alaska and could serve as a foundation for the final settlement.

Putin, however, reaffirmed Russia’s interest in settling the Ukraine crisis through political and diplomatic means, while the two leaders agreed to maintain regular contacts.

They also discussed issues related to bilateral relations, including further expansion of trade and investment ties as well as the implementation of strategic projects in energy.

According to a readout by the Kremlin, Erdogan shared the outcome of his trip to Johannesburg to attend the G20 summit held in Africa for the first time.
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At the event, the president emphasized the global responsibility to alleviate the destruction in Gaza, urging increased humanitarian assistance and support for reconstruction efforts.

In a post on NSosyal, Erdogan insists peace cannot be fully achieved “without the establishment of a free Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, on the basis of the 1967 borders.”