Türkiye ready to host meeting between Russian, US leaders: Russian media
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and US President Donald Trump shake hands before a meeting in Helsinki, on July 16, 2018. (AFP Photo)
Türkiye is reportedly prepared to host a potential meeting between the leaders of Russia and the United States if both sides agree, a diplomatic source in Ankara told Russian media outlet RIA Novosti.
Possible meeting following Trump’s Middle East trip
U.S. President Donald Trump previously indicated he could meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin following his visit to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar from May 13 to 16.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that any meeting between the two leaders should be productive and that preparatory work is ongoing.
Russian Presidential Aide for International Affairs Yuri Ushakov stated that no specific date or venue had been agreed upon yet.
A diplomatic source in Ankara said, “Why not? Türkiye today serves as a center of diplomacy, and both sides trust Türkiye and its leader (Recep Tayyip Erdogan). I believe that if both parties are willing, organizing such a meeting in Türkiye is possible. There is already experience with Russia-U.S. talks taking place in Türkiye.”
No official decision yet on security guarantees for Ukraine
Regarding Ukraine, a diplomatic source speaking to Russian media stated that Türkiye has not made any official decisions about providing security guarantees.
“There have been no official decisions (from the Turkish side). If there are any, we will announce them,” the source said in response to questions about Türkiye’s position.
Earlier, Reuters reported, citing documents, that a U.S. project for resolving the Ukrainian conflict includes security guarantees for Ukraine, primarily from Europe.
A counter-proposal by Ukrainian and European representatives suggests strong guarantees for Kyiv, including commitments similar to NATO’s Article 5.
Türkiye calls for lifting of banking sanctions against Russia
A diplomatic source speaking to RIA Novosti also addressed banking sanctions, stating that lifting sanctions on Russia’s banking sector has become a necessity.
“This could facilitate increased investments and strengthen economic ties between Russia, Türkiye, and the broader region. Unfortunately, the problem still persists,” the source said.
Issues with transactions and opening bank accounts in rubles in Türkiye began mid-last year due to fears of secondary sanctions.
In March, a representative from a branch of Ziraat Bank in Ankara told RIA Novosti that Turkish state banks still do not open ruble accounts and that problems with transactions between Türkiye and Russia remain. However later it was announced by the bank that there are no prohibitions, Russian citizens’ applications are accepted.
