ASHGABAT: Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has proposed Ankara as a potential host for peace negotiations aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, signaling a proactive role in fostering a “just and lasting” resolution
According to the Turkish Communications Directorate, on Friday, Erdogan conveyed the offer during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the International Peace and Trust Forum in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
The discussions focused on bilateral relations, ongoing efforts to mediate the war, and regional security issues. The Turkish leader highlighted the value of practical measures, such as a limited ceasefire targeting energy facilities and ports, which could benefit both sides.
The Turkish Communications Directorate reported that Erdogan reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to peace initiatives and its readiness to host talks in all formats.
The two leaders also touched on the situations in Palestine and Syria, as well as peace developments in the South Caucasus. Turkey is closely monitoring ongoing negotiation processes and is actively supporting avenues that may lead to the de-escalation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.
Turkiye has sought to maintain relations with Moscow and Kyiv throughout the war, offering its services as a neutral ground for negotiations.
It also controls the Bosphorus Strait, a key passage to the Black Sea used to transport Ukrainian grain and Russian oil towards the Mediterranean.
Istanbul hosted three rounds of talks by top negotiators from Ukraine and Russia between May and July that failed to yield anything more than large-scale prisoner exchanges.
