Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey is the ideal host for possible talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States, after meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Ankara, Anadolu Agency reported, BTA reports.
“The Russo-Ukrainian war, which has resulted in numerous innocent victims and enormous destruction, must stop now“, Erdogan stressed. He added that US President Donald Trump's diplomatic initiative to end the conflict is in line with Turkey's previous policy.
The Turkish leader reaffirmed Ankara's full support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and said that Turkey is ready to provide all necessary means to ensure a lasting peace through negotiations.
For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for the high level of Turkish-Ukrainian relations and Turkey's principled position on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
“Turkey provided significant assistance in the release of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians“, Zelensky said, stressing that negotiations to end the war should not be held without Ukraine's participation. He added that both Turkey and Europe should play an active role in discussions on the future of the conflict.