On October 7, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, during which he stated the need to intensify diplomatic efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine.
Erdogan called on Putin to intensify diplomatic efforts for peace in Ukraine
According to the Turkish Presidential Administration’s Communications Directorate, Erdogan emphasized that “diplomatic initiatives must gain momentum to ensure the end of the Russian-Ukrainian war with a just and lasting peace.” He added that Turkey would continue to work to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
During the conversation, Erdogan also congratulated Putin on his birthday and discussed a number of regional and international issues. Among other things, the Turkish leader stated that Ankara is making efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and organize humanitarian aid deliveries to residents of the region.
Furthermore, the two leaders addressed bilateral relations between Turkey and Russia.
Previously, US President Donald Trump criticized Erdogan for purchasing Russian oil, calling on Ankara to reduce its energy imports from Russia. He also linked the sale of American fighter jets to Turkey’s support for Washington’s policies.
Trump has repeatedly stated that he would like to see Erdogan “bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table,” noting that Moscow has “made little progress” nearly four years since the invasion began.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that neither Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy nor Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently ready for direct talks. Speaking after his return from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China, Erdogan said he held separate meetings with both leaders to evaluate the situation in Ukraine and discuss possible paths toward peace.
