Turkey is committed to a lasting peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine and is working to resume negotiations and the diplomatic process, said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the Communications Directorate of the Turkish Presidency reported on 29 June.
According to the statement, the leaders discussed bilateral relations between Turkey and Germany, as well as regional and global issues.
“President Erdogan expressed his hope that the NATO leaders’ summit, to be held in Ankara, would demonstrate a firm commitment to Europe strengthening its own defence within the framework of NATO and to preserving transatlantic ties. President Erdogan stated that Turkey is committed to a lasting peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and is working to resume negotiations and the diplomatic process,” the statement said.
The most recent peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the US, took place in February. Due to the escalation of the situation in the Middle East, the trilateral talks have been postponed indefinitely.
US President Donald Trump recently stated that the resolution of the US conflict with Iran would allow Washington to focus on resolving the Russian-Ukrainian war. Trump also stated that Russia should reach an agreement with Ukraine, following a “very good” meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 summit, which sparked cautious optimism among the leaders of the “Group of Seven” regarding the possibility of a peace agreement.
In contrast, the Kremlin stated that the latest Ukrainian strikes on Russia “do not bring personal contacts” between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy any closer.
Zelensky emphasised that Ukraine wants to end the war by winter: “through diplomacy, and – of course, this is very important – through pressure on Russia.”