Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered to host a peace summit with Russia after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The offer was issued during a news conference that was held in Istanbul after the meeting with the Ukrainian president where he expressed his hopes of Russia being on board with Turkey's offer.
Turkey Offers to Host Peace Summit
Erdogan said that since the start, they have contributed as much as they could toward putting an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine through negotiations. He added that they are ready to host a peace summit where Russia will be in attendance.
The situation comes as Ukraine remains firm on not engaging directly with Russia in regard to peace talks. Additionally, President Zelensky has repeatedly said that the initiative in peace negotiations must belong to the nation that is being invaded.
Zelensky noted that any peace negotiations must align with a 10-point plan that has previously been suggested. This would include food security, restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops, release of all prisoners, a tribunal for those responsible for the conflict, and security guarantees for his country, according to the Associated Press.
He said that any proposals for ending the war must start with the formula that was proposed by the state defending its land and its people. Zelensky said that they want a "fair peace." He expressed his hopes that the inaugural peace summit that is set to be held in Switzerland this year will include the possibility of reopening all Ukrainian ports.
The Ukrainian president said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that agreements were reached on joint defense projects with the Turkish government and corporations. In a Telegram message, Zelensky said that they also agreed to simplify trade and remove barriers to business.
The Turkish president, on the other hand, said that they discussed stability in the Black Sea shipping corridor. He also reiterated his country's support for Ukraine's "territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence.
Ending the Russia-Ukraine War
Turkey has sought to balance its relations with both Russia and Ukraine amid the years-long conflict. Erdogan said that there are opportunities that Turkey can provide with its stance on the matter, said Aljazeera.
The Turkish president said that they continue their solidarity with Ukraine but would also continue to work on ending the conflict with a "just peace" through dialogue and negotiations. On the other hand, Zelensky said that the discussions were "sincere and fruitful."
Zelensky also expressed his gratitude to Erdogan for the latter's efforts in negotiating the release of Ukrainian prisoners who were being held in Russian prisons and camps. He claimed that the individuals were kept under extremely harsh and inhumane conditions.
The Ukrainian president said that Russia will not be invited to the first peace summit in Switzerland. However, he noted that a Russian representative could be included in the next meeting after Ukrainian allies agree upon a roadmap for peace.
The situation comes after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan last week said that it was time for Russia and Ukraine to start ceasefire talks. He added that this must not mean the recognition of Russia's occupation, according to Reuters.
