In a significant diplomatic move, Turkey is prepared to once again host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul. This announcement came from President Tayyip Erdogan during a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, May 11. According to Erdogan's office, this offer underscores Turkey's commitment to facilitating negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
Earlier on the same day, President Putin proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine, emphasizing the need for dialogue to resolve the war. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed Kyiv's willingness to engage in discussions, but stated that a ceasefire from Moscow is a prerequisite for any meaningful talks. This sentiment reflects Ukraine's desire for a peaceful resolution amidst the ongoing hostilities.
In a televised address from the Kremlin, Putin made his proposal shortly after 1:30 a.m. local time on Sunday (2230 GMT Saturday). Following this, Erdogan expressed his support for Putin's statement during their phone call. Erdogan emphasized that Turkey stands ready to facilitate negotiations that could lead to a lasting peace in the region. According to the readout from Erdogan's office, he also highlighted the importance of establishing a comprehensive ceasefire to create a conducive environment for peace talks.
Putin's offer for direct talks coincided with significant pressure from major European powers, including France, which demanded an unconditional 30-day ceasefire from Russia or face the prospect of severe new sanctions. This call for action underscores the urgency of the situation as the conflict continues to escalate. In a separate conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Erdogan remarked that a historic turning point had been reached and stressed the importance of seizing the opportunity for peace.
As a NATO member, Turkey has managed to maintain cordial relations with both Kyiv and Moscow since the onset of the conflict in February 2022. While supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity and providing military assistance, Turkey has also opposed sanctions against Russia. Notably, Turkey previously hosted peace talks between the two nations in March 2022, where draft accords were discussed that would have required Ukraine to abandon its NATO aspirations and accept a neutral stance in exchange for security guarantees from the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council—the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, and France.
As the situation continues to evolve, Turkey's role as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict could prove vital in facilitating a peaceful resolution to this ongoing crisis.
