Kremlin: Putin ready to meet anyone to discuss Ukraine crisis
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Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov explains, regarding Putin and Zelenskyy's meeting on Turkish soil, that there is no understanding yet for such an event to take place.
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The Kremlin in Moscow (AFP)
The Kremlin announced Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin "is ready to meet with anyone" to discuss the Ukraine crisis, "but we need an understanding of what will come out and what will be discussed. There is no such understanding yet," Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.
In a press conference in Moscow, Peksov, addressing Turkey's meeting initiative, said, "As for the initiative to organize a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy on the Turkish soil, there is no understanding here yet, therefore there is no practical conversation on this matter either."
Furthermore, Putin's upcoming visit to Ankara, at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has not been yet determined timewise.
On January 27, Peskov announced during a press conference that Putin had accepted Erdogan's invitation to visit Turkey.
Responding to a question regarding the possibility of Putin meeting the Ukrainian President in Ankara, Peskov explained that the meeting, in the first place, is a bilateral meeting, which Russian and Turkish leaders have been talking about for a long time.
Russia would be unwise to invade Ukraine: Erdogan
Russia would be unwise to attack Ukraine, and, in that case, Turkey would do what is necessary as a NATO member, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said last week.
According to Erdogan, he invited his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to Turkey, proposing to host Moscow and Kiev for diplomacy and a path to peace.
"I hope that Russia will not make an armed attack or occupy Ukraine. Such a step will not be a wise act for Russia or the region," the Turkish leader told NTV.
He also asserted that was is needed is one that would "listen to Russia and eliminate their reasonable security concerns."
Turkey has good ties with both Kiev and Moscow; however, Russia had previously turned down mediation offers from Ankara over Turkey selling UAVs to Ukraine.
Additionally, Turkey has long opposed recognizing Russian sovereignty over Crimea, while cooperating with Russia on defense and energy.
Erdogan reiterated Ankara's readiness to "do whatever is necessary," saying he had informed Presidents Putin and Zelensky. "I think both countries are aware of the sincerity and good intent of Turkey."
The crisis should be solved "avoiding the use of force," he added. "We hope the NATO initiative will be successful on this."
