Erdogan says that Turkey is ready to host Ukraine-Russia negotiations: “They will continue in Istanbul where they remained”
Recep Erdogan, photo: Adem Altan / AFP / Profimedia
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed on Sunday to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that his country is ready to host negotiations to obtain a sustainable peace in Ukraine, reports
Vladimir Putin said on Saturday night to Monday that negotiations could start on Thursday, May 15, in Istanbul.
The head of the Turkish state confirmed that Turkey is ready to host them.
“The peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will continue in Istanbul where they remained (in 2022),” Erdogan said, adding that “Turkey is ready to host negotiations that will lead to a permanent solution” to the conflict, according to a statement of the Turkish Presidency.
Previously, Erdogan, who discussed the phone with President Macron on his return from Kiev, spoke about a “historical turning point” to put an end to the Ukraine war and said that “this opportunity must be used.”
According to the Turkish presidency, “Turkey is prepared to provide all possible support, including hosting negotiations, to obtain a cease of fire and a sustainable peace.”
The French Presidency confirmed this discussion, during which Macron told Erdogan who discussed in Kiev on Saturday.
Macron was on Saturday in Kiev at a meeting of the “will coalition” of countries who want to support Ukraine, in the company of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, to meet with President Volodimir Zelenski.
