Türkiye seeks to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine: Report

Türkiye has reportedly proposed hosting negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to help bring an end to the nearly three-year-long conflict, as concerns grow over the exclusion of European and Ukrainian officials from U.S.-led diplomatic efforts according to a report by Türkiye daily.

Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has engaged in intensive diplomatic outreach, holding four phone calls with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in the past two months.

Additionally, Fidan met with newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the Munich Security Conference, discussing the possibility of brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine.

According to diplomatic sources, Türkiye has positioned itself as a key mediator due to its strong ties with both Russia and Ukraine. Ankara repeatedly has expressed willingness to facilitate cease-fire negotiations and potential peace talks to end the conflict between Kyiv and Moscow.

Meetings with US and Ukrainian officials

During the Munich Security Conference, Fidan also held discussions with Trump’s Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, along with Ukrainian Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak and Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Türkiye reiterated its stance that it should play a role in any peace process due to its close relations with both parties.

Ankara has proposed hosting the negotiations, emphasizing that it could offer more substantial contributions than other actors in the process.

Zelenskyy’s visit to Türkiye

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits Türkiye following his trip to Saudi Arabia and is expected to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today.

The discussions are likely to focus on Türkiye’s role in potential peace efforts and regional security.

Türkiye previously facilitated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in the early stages of the war. However, efforts to reach a settlement were reportedly disrupted by Western intervention, preventing a final agreement.