Turkey Plans to Host Putin,Zelenskyy Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated Turkey's readiness to host a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul to advance peace talks and end the ongoing war. Erdogan emphasized Turkey's balanced and peaceful approach since the conflict began and expressed hope that a new leaders' meeting would soon be arranged, building on previous negotiation rounds held in Istanbul earlier this year. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Erdogan have actively sought to expedite the organization of this potential summit, with Erdogan planning to discuss the matter with US President Donald Trump and Putin. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed gratitude for Turkey's efforts and the conditions it provides for negotiations, noting Turkey's favorable standing among the parties involved. Ukrainian representatives have proposed holding a leader-level meeting in August, signaling ongoing diplomatic engagement. Overall, Turkey continues to position itself as a key venue and mediator in the Ukraine-Russia peace process.