Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey is ready to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
– We are ready to hold peace talks where Russia is also present, Erdogan says at a press conference.
The statement comes after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, who is visiting Istanbul.
– While we remain in solidarity with Ukraine, we will continue to work to end the war with a just peace based on negotiations, Erdogan says.
Zelensky rules out Russian involvement
Zelenskyy rejects direct negotiations with Russia, and believes that Ukraine and Western leaders must make peace on their own terms.
He adds that there will be a peace meeting in Switzerland where Kiev will raise the country’s peace plan. Zelensky rules out Russian involvement.
– We cannot understand how we can invite people who block, destroy and kill everything. We want to achieve results, says the president.
According to Erdogan, the two leaders discussed, among other things, port security and prisoner exchanges. Zelenskyy describes the talks as “productive”.
Erdogan: The election in March will be my last
On Friday, President Erdogan will make several statements.
During an appearance, he says that the Turkish local elections at the end of March will be his last, reports domestic media.
– This is my last choice according to the legislation. The result will be a transfer of the legacy to those who come after me, says Erdogan.
Last year, he was elected to a new five-year term as Turkey’s president. The next presidential election will be held in the country in 2028.