Turkish president joins online meeting on Ukraine, urges direct talks in Istanbul

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined a virtual meeting of “the Coalition of the Willing” over Ukraine, Türkiye's Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said Tuesday.

“The meeting addressed the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, the steps taken toward ending the conflict, and ongoing peace efforts,” Duran said on US social media company X.

He said Erdogan told the participants that Türkiye would continue its diplomatic efforts to facilitate direct contact between Kyiv and Moscow to achieve a “just and lasting peace” as soon as possible.

Erdogan also said Türkiye is prepared to host direct negotiations in Istanbul and remains in communication with both Ukrainian and Russian officials to advance that goal, according to Duran.

“At the meeting, it was expressed that a ceasefire arrangement covering energy and port infrastructure could provide favorable conditions for negotiations on a comprehensive peace agreement between the parties,” he stated.

Representatives from 35 countries took part in the meeting and exchanged views on steps needed to secure lasting peace, Duran said.