Turkey ready to host Russia-Ukraine talks as ceasefire push grows
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In support of the proposed summit, President Erdogan has launched intensive phone diplomacy with Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron.
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A cargo ship anchors in the Marmara Sea as Hagia Sophia historical mosque is seen in background, in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022 (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
Turkey is standing by to host peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, pending agreement from both sides on the framework of the talks. Speaking to RIA Novosti, a spokesperson for Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) affirmed that the country is logistically and diplomatically prepared to hold the proposed meeting in Istanbul.
"I think this will not take much time. Turkey, as a world center where conflicts are resolved, has enough experience. We need to wait for details from the sides," the official said, citing Ankara’s experience in previous mediation efforts, including the 2022 grain deal.
Peace initiative
The initiative follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invitation to Ukrainian leaders to meet for unconditional talks in Istanbul on May 15. The AKP representative underlined the importance of shielding the process from outside disruption, "We must do everything so that the process, if it begins, is not interrupted. This is a good chance to end the conflict, as Mr. President [Recep Tayyip Erdogan] says, there is no losing side in the negotiations. We must insure the process against provocations and interference. In order to end the conflict once and for all."
In support of the proposed summit, President Erdogan has launched intensive phone diplomacy with Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron. According to Turkish officials, Erdogan emphasized that "a window of opportunity has opened for peace" and stressed the need for a comprehensive ceasefire to lay the foundation for successful negotiations.
"We now see Mr. President [Erdogan] being engaged in 'phone diplomacy', including with Western leaders, in response to Mr. Vladimir Putin's initiative. The process is in progress, we have to wait for details," the AKP spokesperson added.
Ceasefire proposal
Meanwhile, Ukraine has offered a parallel diplomatic gesture. On Saturday, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that Ukraine, along with a coalition of allies, is prepared to implement a 30-day, full and unconditional ceasefire starting Monday, May 12, provided Russia agrees and international monitoring mechanisms are in place. "Ukraine and all allies are ready for a full unconditional ceasefire on land, air, and at sea for at least 30 days starting already on Monday. If Russia agrees and effective monitoring is ensured, a durable ceasefire and confidence-building measures can pave the way to peace negotiations," Sybiha stated.
The Kiev proposal followed a high-level summit with European leaders, including Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who later joined President Volodymyr Zelensky in a joint call with US President Donald Trump. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also endorsed the initiative, stating, "This starts with a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and must be underpinned by continued, concrete support."
Read more: US envoy to deliver 22-point Ukraine peace plan to Putin
The Kremlin, while expressing general support for dialogue, has responded with conditions. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that any ceasefire must also halt U.S. and European weapons shipments to Ukraine. "Otherwise it will be an advantage for Ukraine. Ukraine will continue their total mobilisation, bringing new troops to (the) frontline," Peskov told ABC News. He added that President Putin supports a ceasefire "in principle" but noted that continued Western arms transfers and Ukraine’s refusal to engage directly, due to legal barriers and questions about Zelensky’s mandate, complicate the process.
Zelensky, for his part, made clear that Ukraine would only participate in the Istanbul talks if Russia first complies with the May 12 ceasefire. "Only then will Kiev sit down at the negotiating table," he said.
As preparations for May 15 move forward, the success of renewed negotiations will depend on whether both sides can align on terms and whether external powers help sustain momentum rather than derail it.
