Ukraine and Russia must not abandon the path of dialogue under any circumstances and should seek common ground that would lead to a just and lasting peace. Turkey is ready to create all necessary conditions for a leaders’ summit.
Turkish presidential chief adviser Yalcin Topcu said this in an interview with Ukrinform.
“In any case, continuing dialogue at the negotiating table is far more important than prolonging armed conflict. Both countries must leave a platform for dialogue under all circumstances and work toward finding common ground for a fair and sustainable peace,” Topcu said.
He stressed that Turkey is prepared to provide the necessary conditions for a meeting at the level of heads of state.
“If the leaders agree to this meeting, we are ready to do everything possible to host it under the most favorable conditions for both sides. Turkey remains fully committed, with utmost sincerity, to supporting efforts for a just and lasting peace,” he added.
Topcu also stressed that Turkey greatly values the humanitarian progress achieved through dialogue. He recalled that after the first round of negotiations in Istanbul on May 16, a prisoner exchange was swiftly conducted, with 1,000 captives released by each side.
Following the second round of talks, held on June 2 with Turkish mediation, the bodies of 7,060 Ukrainian soldiers were returned to Ukraine. As a result of the third round, which took place in Istanbul on July 23, an agreement was reached to continue contacts aimed at securing peace and a ceasefire, along with a mutual exchange of 1,200 prisoners.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently reiterated that since the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Turkey has pursued a policy focused on achieving peace. The country remains ready to provide a platform both for a summit of leaders and for peace negotiations.
Source: Ukraine, Russia must not abandon dialogue under any circumstances – Erdogan's advisor
