Erdogan Attends Virtual Meeting on Ukraine, Advocates for Direct Kiev-Moscow Talks in Istanbul

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan participated in a virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine, according to Türkiye's Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran.

“The meeting addressed the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, the steps taken toward ending the conflict, and ongoing peace efforts,” Duran said on X on Tuesday, The Caspian Post reports citing Turkish media.

He said Erdogan told the participants that Türkiye would continue its diplomatic efforts to facilitate direct contact between Kiev and Moscow to achieve a “just and lasting peace” as soon as possible.

Erdogan also said Türkiye is prepared to host direct negotiations in Istanbul and remains in communication with both Ukrainian and Russian officials to advance that goal, according to Duran.

“At the meeting, it was expressed that a ceasefire arrangement covering energy and port infrastructure could provide favourable conditions for negotiations on a comprehensive peace agreement between the parties,” he stated.

Representatives from 35 countries took part in the meeting and exchanged views on steps needed to secure lasting peace, Duran said.

Last week, Erdogan called to revive Istanbul talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war following a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Türkiye.

On Monday, Erdogan told his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in a phone call that Ankara would continue its efforts to help ensure that the Russia-Ukraine war ends with a just and lasting peace.

Speaking to the press on the margins of the G20 leaders' meeting on Sunday, Erdogan said Türkiye would continue stepping up its involvement in international peace efforts across conflict zones from the Middle East to Africa and Ukraine, underscoring the significance of Ankara as a key actor in attempts to resolve global crises.