Turkey Offers to Host Peace Talks as Erdogan Urges Ukraine and Russia to End War

Statement from Turkey's President

According to Главком: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared Ankara's readiness to once again serve as a venue for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. His remarks came at the conclusion of the NATO summit in Ankara, where he described the ongoing war in Ukraine-now in its fifth year-as a 'slaughter machine' that claims tens of thousands of lives each month. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Turkey has consistently advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

Erdogan reiterated his offer to hold talks on Turkish soil, noting that both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russia's leader Vladimir Putin are well aware of this position.

“A just peace has no losers. I repeat that we are ready to meet again in Turkey,” Erdogan stated.

Ankara's Readiness for Negotiations

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also confirmed Ankara's willingness to provide a platform for delegations from Ukraine and Russia. In April 2026, Ukraine formally requested Turkey's assistance in arranging a meeting between President Zelenskyy and Putin. The potential involvement of Turkish leader Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump in these talks remains on the table.

Erdogan's statement underscores Turkey's longstanding role as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. It may also reflect Ankara's ambition to strengthen its diplomatic standing on the global stage and promote regional stability. With the war's death toll mounting, the proposal for negotiations could represent a critical step toward ending a conflict that has now dragged on for several years.

As Turkey positions itself as a mediator, the recent NATO summit highlighted Erdogan's ongoing support for Ukraine and his call for more robust measures against Russia. This backdrop emphasizes the significance of Erdogan's peace proposal. For further insights into Erdogan's stance and the implications for regional stability, read more about his reaffirmation of support for Ukraine and the pressure on Russia here.