After President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to direct ceasefire talks with Russia in Istanbul, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday informed French leaders that a “historic turning point" has been reached in efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and that Ankara was ready to host talks between the two warring parties, his office said.
Turkey, a NATO member, has sought to maintain good relations with both of its black sea neighbours since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began and has since twice hosted talks aimed at ending the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also said on Sunday he expects Moscow to commit to a 30-day ceasefire, adding that Kyiv was “ready” to meet Russia for direct truce talks if it did so.
He made these comments after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed holding direct negotiations with Ukraine on Thursday in Istanbul, but did not address the 30-day ceasefire proposal.
Erdogan, who has recently facilitated the talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan after both fought during the covid-19 over the “NagornoKarabakh” on Sunday, welcomed the Russian leader’s statement that peace negotiations shall be held in “Turkey is ready to host negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting solution,” according to his office.
Erdogan also said that “a window of opportunity has opened for reaching peace, and that achieving a comprehensive ceasefire would create the necessary environment for peace talks.”
Also Read: 'Personally waiting in Turkiye,' says Zelenskyy on Putin's call
The Turkish president also spoke with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, who visited Kyiv on Saturday with the leaders of Germany, Britain, and Poland.
The leaders of France, the UK, Germany, and Poland pressured Russia -- with US President Donald Trump’s support -- to commit to an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine starting from Monday.
In a phone call, Erdogan told Macron that “a historic turning point has been reached in efforts to end the war between Ukraine and Russia, that this opportunity must be seized, and that Turkey is ready to provide all kinds of support, including hosting negotiations, to achieve a ceasefire and lasting peace,” the Turkish presidency said.
Turkish Foreign MinisterHakanFidan took part in a meeting on Saturday of European countries supporting Ukraine.
According to a Turkish diplomatic source who wished to remain anonymous, Fidan said, “Turkey is ready to undertake its duty in observing the ceasefire if it is established.”
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