President Erdogan joins Online Leaders Summit for Ukraine
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends the Online Leaders Meeting at the National Defense University in Istanbul, Türkiye on March 15, 2025 (Turkish Presidency/Mustafa Kamaci - Anadolu Agency)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan participated in the Online Leaders’ Summit from the National Defense University in Istanbul on Saturday, joining UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and 25 other world leaders in discussions focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Erdogan arrived at the university from his residence in Uskudar, Kisikli, at midday.
The summit, which was hosted by the UK government, brought together international leaders to discuss regional security, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and possible diplomatic solutions.
High-level officials accompany Erdogan
The president was accompanied by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yasar Guler, and Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun.
The summit provided a platform for discussions on geopolitical developments and security measures.
UK hosts virtual summit on Ukraine conflict
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer led the virtual meeting, stressing the need for Russian President Vladimir Putin to “sooner or later” negotiate for peace.
The discussions centered on strengthening Ukraine’s position, enforcing a ceasefire, and maintaining pressure on Russia.
Starmer pointed out that Ukraine had demonstrated its commitment to peace by agreeing to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, while accusing Putin of stalling negotiations. “If Putin is serious about peace, he must stop his barbaric attacks on Ukraine and agree to a ceasefire,” Starmer said.
As ceasefire talks progressed, Russia claimed control over two more villages in the Kursk border region, Zaoleshenka and Rubanshchina, as part of its offensive to regain lost territory. In response, Ukraine reported downing 130 Russian-launched Shahed drones across 14 regions overnight.
International leaders discuss ceasefire implementation
French President Emmanuel Macron and Starmer along with Erdogan have been spearheading efforts to form a “coalition of the willing” to uphold any ceasefire agreement. Macron urged Russia to accept the ceasefire proposal and halt its military operations in Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of a truce but noted that substantial work remains.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and leaders from Germany, Spain, Portugal, Latvia, Romania, Türkiye, and the Czech Republic were among those attending the summit.
Security commitments and military support
Starmer indicated that the coalition would continue to ramp up military and economic pressure on Russia to ensure compliance with any potential ceasefire agreement.
Discussions also included long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, with British and French troops reportedly prepared to play a role in ensuring stability.
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