2025-12-13 12:45
publication
2025-12-13 12:45
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, returning from a visit to Turkmenistan on Saturday, commented on Friday's meeting with Vladimir Putin in that country. The Turkish leader assessed that peace in Ukraine was not far away. He added that he hopes to discuss the peace plan with US President Donald Trump, Anadolu Agency reported.
Erdogan met with Putin on Friday in Turkmenistan's capital, Ashgabat, at an international peace forum to mark the 30th anniversary of the United Nations' recognition of the Central Asian country as a neutral country. The Turkish leader said while speaking to reporters on the return flight that “peace in Ukraine is not far away.”
The Turkish president warned both sides of the conflict, Russian and Ukrainian, against attacks in the Black Sea. Erdogan's statement came several hours after Turkish ships were damaged by Russian shelling in the Odessa Oblast in southern Ukraine.
“The Black Sea should not be seen as an area of confrontation. This would not benefit either Russia or Ukraine. Everyone needs safe navigation in the Black Sea,” Erdogan stressed.
On Friday, immediately after the conversation with the Russian leader, President Erdogan's office stated that he had suggested to Putin the idea of introducing a limited truce in Ukraine. The ceasefire would cover ports and energy facilities.
“The president stated that efforts to end the Ukraine-Russian war with a just and lasting peace are important, and he believes that progress can be achieved in areas that will bring practical benefits to both sides. A limited ceasefire, including energy facilities and ports, could be beneficial,” the Turkish presidential communications office said.
Jakub Bawołek (PAP)
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