Erdogan plans talks with Putin on ending Russia's war after meeting Zelenskyy

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed his intention to engage in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to end the ongoing conflict between their countries. This announcement came during Erdogan's recent visit to Turkey following a trip to South Korea.

During his visit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of transitioning the war into a diplomatic phase, expressing his reliance on Turkey's mediating role. Zelenskyy also suggested that a leaders summit could be organized in Turkey, indicating a willingness to welcome Turkey's efforts in facilitating such an event.

Erdogan reassured journalists that Turkey would continue to take all necessary steps to advance the peace process in Ukraine. Following Zelenskyy's meeting with Erdogan, the Ukrainian leader stated that ending the war between Russia and Ukraine requires urgent diplomatic and negotiation efforts. Turkey, in its capacity as a mediator, is actively working and will persist in its endeavors to promote peace.

According to Erdogan, Turkey's foreign minister and other officials are in dialogue with their Russian counterparts to prepare for a potential meeting with Putin. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy visited Turkey on Saturday, October 31, where he held discussions with Erdogan and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

The conversations centered on reviving diplomatic channels to halt the war, safeguarding civilian shipping and ports in the Black Sea, reinforcing air defenses, and fostering defense-industrial ties. Turkey has repeatedly served as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia, notably in the creation and management of the Black Sea Grain Initiative from 2022 to 2023, as well as in negotiations concerning the exchange of prisoners of war and detained civilians.

Turkey has consistently demonstrated its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and its willingness to host direct talks at the highest level.