On May 11, 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan once more confirmed Turkey’s readiness to host direct peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct dialogue in order to end their ongoing conflict. Erdogan noted that an immediate ceasefire would help facilitate effective negotiations. Xinhua News/Reuters/Caliber.az for more on this story
Erdogan made separate phone calls with Presidents Putin and Macron to describe the current moment as an historic turning point in pursuit of peace, stressing that Turkey stands ready to host negotiations to help ensure ceasefire and lasting stability in Ukraine. (Sources: Caliber.az/Censor.net).
Ukraine has expressed interest in talks, yet insists on first establishing a full and reliable ceasefire before beginning negotiations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that ending hostilities is the first step toward peace.
Russia launched an unprecedented drone attack against Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, only hours after President Vladimir Putin proposed negotiations, leaving civilians injured and infrastructure damaged – further raising doubts over Russia’s commitment to peace.
European leaders from Britain, France, Germany and Poland have called for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire beginning May 12, with severe sanctions being threatened if ignored. U.S. special envoy Gen Keith Kellogg reiterated this sentiment with emphasis on starting with ceasefire first before discussing talks later on.
Turkey hosted failed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in March 2022 in Istanbul, but is currently proposing renewed discussions to reach a lasting solution to their dispute. The current proposal of renewed talks provides an opportunity for renewed discussions aimed at finding lasting resolution of their differences.
As the international community looks on with great anticipation, the outcome of these proposed talks could have a decisive effect on the Russia-Ukraine war and regional stability. Their success depends on all parties agreeing to commit to an immediate cessation of hostilities and engaging in meaningful dialogue.