Türkiye ideal venue for Russia-Ukraine peace talks: Erdogan
Last Updated on February 20, 2025 6:31 am
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey could be an ideal venue for planned peace talks between Russia, the United States and Ukraine. He made the remarks at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the capital Ankara on Tuesday (February 20).
Erdogan said Turkey has always been in favor of peace between Russia and Ukraine and is ready to provide all kinds of support to make the negotiation process a success.
He said that due to our active diplomatic efforts in the past three years, Turkey remains an ideal venue for talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States.
He added that in Ankara’s view, Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are unquestionable.
Erdogan noted that in March 2022, we organized direct Russia-Ukraine talks and initiated the Black Sea Grain Agreement. We have truly acted as a trusted mediator and have achieved some tangible results.
Erdogan said that Donald Trump’s recent initiative to end the war is consistent with Turkey’s policy of the last three years. We have always worked to resolve this conflict and continue to do so.
On the other hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Turkey’s position and said that Kiev is grateful for Ankara’s policy.
He said that Turkey has always stood for the territorial integrity of Ukraine and we are grateful for it. However, the presence of Ukraine and Europe in the peace talks must be ensured.
Zelensky also said that First Lady Olena Zelenska and Emine Erdogan are jointly running a project for orphaned children in Ukraine. In addition, he said that Ukraine and its allies are working to stop the use of food as a weapon during war.
Zelensky said that there is an important opportunity here, and we must support the Syrian people.
Meanwhile, he said that he has postponed his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia until March 10. Zelensky said, “No negotiations can take place without Ukraine, so I have postponed the visit.”