Erdogan sets ceasefire as precondition for hosting Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told Russian President Vladimir Putin that a comprehensive ceasefire is the key condition for Turkey to host peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The statement was released by the Turkish Presidential Communications Office following a phone call between the two leaders.

According to the readout, Erdogan welcomed Putin’s recent proposal to resume peace talks in Istanbul, picking up from where negotiations ended in 2022. He said Turkey is prepared to facilitate the talks, provided they are aimed at reaching a final settlement.

"The window of opportunity for peace has opened, and a comprehensive ceasefire would create the necessary environment for peace talks," Erdogan said during the conversation.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin also published its own summary of the call. However, the Russian version made no mention of Erdogan’s condition regarding the ceasefire. It stated only that the two leaders "discussed in detail the initiative to resume direct Russia-Ukraine talks, proposed to be held in Istanbul starting May 15."

The Kremlin further noted that Erdogan "fully supported the Russian proposal" and reaffirmed Istanbul’s readiness to host negotiations. "The Turkish side will provide all possible assistance in organizing and conducting talks aimed at achieving sustainable peace," Russia’s Foreign Ministry added.

On the night of May 11, Putin rejected a proposed 30-day ceasefire from Ukraine, the US, and European leaders, which was to begin on May 12. Instead, he offered to restart talks in Istanbul without preconditions, emphasizing a focus on "long-term, lasting peace."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by saying Ukraine is ready for negotiations but insisted that Russia must first agree to the proposed ceasefire starting May 12.

Despite the diplomatic movement, many world leaders remain skeptical of Putin’s intentions, viewing his proposal as a stalling tactic to continue the war under the guise of peace overtures.