MOSCOW: The Kremlin has announced its intention to closely follow the upcoming talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, describing their meeting in Istanbul as “important.” The discussions are scheduled to take place on the eve of the 500th day since Russia initiated its military offensive in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed the matter during a press conference, stating, “We will very closely follow the results of these talks. It will be interesting for us to find out what was discussed. It’s important.” Peskov also acknowledged the significance of the relationship between Moscow and Ankara, stating that the Kremlin “cherishes” this connection and recognizing Erdogan’s previous efforts in mediating conflicts.
Russia Acknowledges Erdogan’s Efforts to Resolve Conflict
“Mr. Erdogan has repeatedly made great efforts to end various problems within the framework of the Ukrainian conflict and played a mediating role,” Peskov noted. Furthermore, he did not rule out the possibility of talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Erdogan, indicating a potential future dialogue between the two leaders.
Since the beginning of Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine last February, President Erdogan has maintained positive relations with both Kyiv and Moscow. He played a crucial role in facilitating a significant grain deal last year, which successfully reopened Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea.
As Zelensky and Erdogan prepare for their meeting, the international community eagerly awaits the outcome of their discussions. The talks in Istanbul hold potential implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and may contribute to efforts in finding a peaceful resolution.