Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Sunday that efforts to end the war in Ukraine have reached a “historic turning point” and reiterated Turkey’s readiness to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. His remarks came during separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency.
“Turkey is ready to host negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting solution,” Erdoğan told Putin, welcoming the Russian leader’s recent suggestion that talks with Ukraine resume in Istanbul where previous discussions had been held. Erdoğan emphasized that a comprehensive ceasefire would create the necessary conditions for renewed diplomacy.
The Turkish leader also spoke to Macron following the French president’s visit to Kyiv alongside the leaders of Germany, Britain, and Poland. Erdoğan told Macron that the current moment represents a “historic turning point” in efforts to end the war and stressed the need to seize the opportunity. He again expressed Ankara’s willingness to support the process, including hosting talks and helping facilitate a ceasefire.
On the Ukrainian side, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday that Kyiv is ready for direct negotiations with Moscow if Russia agrees to a 30-day ceasefire. While Putin expressed interest in talks, he did not address the ceasefire proposal.
Meanwhile, the leaders of France, Germany, the UK, and Poland—backed by U.S. President Donald Trump—have jointly urged Russia to commit to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire starting Monday.
Turkey has sought to play a mediating role in the conflict since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, maintaining communication with both sides and previously hosting negotiations. On Saturday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan participated in a meeting of European countries supporting Ukraine. A Turkish diplomatic source said Fidan told participants that Turkey is prepared to help monitor a potential ceasefire, if agreed.
