Erdoğan: Istanbul talks will pave way for peace to put an end to Russia-Ukraine war

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky discussed bilateral ties, regional, and global issues over the phone.

"Türkiye will continue its efforts to ensure just, lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia," Erdoğan told Ukrainian counterpart Zelensky.

"Discussing a possible ceasefire in the 2nd round of talks planned to be held in Istanbul between Ukraine and Russia will pave way for peace. Holding talks also at leadership level between Ukraine, Russia will benefit the peace process," Erdoğan said in a statement during the telephone conversation while stressing that it should happen without further delay.

Erdoğan highlighted the importance of participation in the talks with high-level delegations for the continuation of the momentum built for peace.

Stressing that Ankara is in favor of continuing the talks between the two delegations that started in Istanbul in early May, the Turkish president expressed satisfaction that prisoner exchange agreed upon during the talks was realized in a short time.

Türkiye will continue its efforts to ensure a just and lasting peace between Kyiv and Moscow, Erdoğan added.

The previous round of talks between Ukraine and Russia took place on May 16 in Istanbul and concluded with a decision on prisoner exchange—1,000 detainees from each side—and the agreement to prepare memorandums for further negotiations.

Moscow and Kyiv have both expressed satisfaction with the May meeting, raising hopes that the June round may yield further progress toward a ceasefire.