Erdogan supports Putin's proposal: Will Istanbul become a negotiating platform again?

Amid the long-running conflict between Russia and Ukraine, important diplomatic moves have begun. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation. The main topic of the conversation was the peaceful resolution of the situation in Ukraine and the resumption of negotiations.

Earlier, Vladimir Putin, speaking at a special press conference on May 11, offered Ukraine to resume negotiations and proposed holding this meeting in Istanbul on May 15. Putin also noted that he plans to contact the Turkish leader regarding this proposal in the near future.

According to the Turkish side, during the conversation with Putin, Erdogan once again confirmed that Turkey is ready to host talks between Russia and Ukraine. The Turkish leader emphasized that a historic opportunity has arisen for peace now, and that both sides should seize this opportunity.

At the same time, Erdogan said that a complete and long-term cessation of hostilities could ensure the creation of a favorable and necessary environment for peace talks. This statement by the Turkish leader was disseminated through the country's official media.

In turn, the Russian Foreign Ministry also reported on a telephone conversation between the two heads of state, noting that the Turkish president "fully supported" the initiative to resume negotiations put forward by Putin. However, Russian diplomats did not specifically address the Turkish side's statement on a comprehensive ceasefire.

It should be recalled that earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he expects Russia to agree to a long-term, comprehensive and credible ceasefire agreement starting on May 12. Zelensky also confirmed that Kiev is ready for meetings with Moscow for dialogue.

At the moment, the views and proposals of the leaders of the two countries differ from each other, but it is clear that new opportunities are emerging for a diplomatic solution to the situation.

Experts and analysts say that if negotiations resume in Istanbul, it could be an important step towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. It could also further strengthen Turkey's role as an international peace broker.

Zamin.uz editorial staff is closely monitoring the situation and will regularly update its readers. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!