Erdogan highlights expectations for Russia-Ukraine discussions
(MENAFN) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reaffirmed Türkiye’s willingness to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, proposing a high-level peace summit involving both nations’ leaders. In a televised address shared on X, Erdogan said he hopes to host Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky—potentially in Istanbul or Ankara—and expressed interest in including former U.S. President Donald Trump in the talks.
“If both sides agree, I’m ready to attend the summit personally,” Erdogan said, emphasizing his vision for Istanbul as a future “center of peace.”
The Turkish leader’s remarks followed a significant meeting in Istanbul on Monday between Russian and Ukrainian delegations—the second such engagement in a month. According to Russian chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky, the two sides reached a landmark agreement on a prisoner exchange. The deal will cover all seriously injured or ill prisoners of war, and a special process will be set up for captives under the age of 25. Medinsky also announced that Russia plans to return the remains of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers unilaterally next week and presented Ukraine with a comprehensive peace proposal aimed at a full ceasefire.
Türkiye has been a central figure in diplomatic efforts since 2022, when it hosted initial Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Those early talks broke down after then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson reportedly advised Ukraine against accepting a deal and instead encouraged pursuing a military victory.
The renewed diplomatic momentum is partly attributed to pressure from Donald Trump, who has demanded progress toward a ceasefire. A previous round of negotiations in Istanbul on May 16 resulted in a swap of 1,000 prisoners from each side.
Following Monday’s talks, Ukrainian delegation leader Rustem Umerov suggested holding another round of negotiations before the end of June. Russia has not yet responded to the proposal.
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