Erdogan, appeal to Ukraine and Russia to resume negotiations in Istanbul “with a more comprehensive framework”. Discussion with Zelenski in Ankara

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Ankara on Wednesday and urged Kiev and Moscow to resume negotiations “with a pragmatic and results-oriented approach”, according to AFP and Reuters.

“Of course, we discussed the situation in diplomacy at length. And now many processes have become more active, and we are trying to make sure that all activities are specifically aimed at peace,” Zelenskiy said, speaking alongside Erdogan at a press briefing.

The Turkish leader called for the resumption of negotiations in Istanbul, where the most recent round of talks between Ukraine and Russia took place in July.

“In today's meetings, we also emphasized the need for the Istanbul process to continue with a pragmatic and result-oriented approach,” Erdogan said.

“We also expect all our partners who want to see an end to the bloodshed in the region to take a constructive approach to the Istanbul process,” he added.

Istanbul hosted three rounds of talks between Ukraine and Russia between May and July, but the meetings produced only large-scale prisoner exchanges.

“We hope to resume exchanges”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he hoped prisoner exchanges with Russia would resume by the end of the year.

“We hope to resume exchanges by the end of the year, to bring back a significant number of prisoners,” the Ukrainian leader said.

Erdogan pointed to the escalation of attacks in the war as the reason for the resumption of talks.

“In particular, the increasing attacks on energy infrastructure and the resulting loss of human life lead to irreparable damage to both sides,” the Turkish leader said.

“We believe that revitalizing the Istanbul process with a more comprehensive framework – one that can address the now pressing issues – would be beneficial,” President Erdogan added.

Erdogan, who also maintains friendly relations with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, added: “We are always ready to discuss proposals” with Moscow that would lead to a ceasefire and lasting peace.

“In this regard, we also appreciate the involvement of our ally, the United States, in this process,” the Turkish president concluded.