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Türkiye has formally offered to host a leaders' summit on Ukraine conflict resolution, with a diplomatic source calling it the most suitable venue due to its geographic position and the trust level it has with all parties, Russian media outlet RIA Novosti reported Thursday.
The proposal comes as multiple countries vie to host potential peace talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha previously listed Austria, Vatican City, Türkiye, Switzerland and three Persian Gulf states as acceptable venues where Zelenskyy would meet Putin.
"Türkiye is the only candidate among the proposed options whose diplomatic balance, geographic context and level of trust allow it to become a platform for initiating negotiations between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia," a Turkish diplomatic source told RIA Novosti.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made the summit proposal at the highest levels to all parties, including Western partners, though no concrete response has been received, according to the informed diplomatic source speaking to RIA Novosti.
"From our side, at the highest level, it was proposed to hold a summit on resolving the conflict in Ukraine with the participation of all parties. We are ready to organize such a summit," the source stated.
When asked about reactions to Ankara's proposal, the source noted that there is "nothing concrete yet," adding that "Mr. President keeps the issue on the agenda."
The source emphasized Türkiye's proven track record as an effective mediator in the conflict by stating: "Türkiye already acted as an effective mediator—it conducted negotiations back in March 2022, and then successfully initiated the Black Sea grain initiative, which helped Ukrainian grain supplies under blockade conditions. Delegations from Russia and Ukraine resolve humanitarian issues in Istanbul."
"If such a summit is to be held, then only in Türkiye," the source concluded.
Türkiye has hosted three rounds of direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on May 16, June 2, and July 23, since the conflict began.
These negotiations resulted in major prisoner exchanges and the exchange of draft memoranda outlining both sides' positions for a future peace agreement.
Speaking to journalists on his return flight from China on Tuesday, Erdogan emphasized that only peace-oriented dialogue can end the Russia-Ukraine war. He described his discussions with Putin about steps toward a just peace and noted positive approaches from both Putin and Zelenskyy.
"Talks in Istanbul proved that this path is open," Erdogan said, urging the transformation of peace hopes into "solution-oriented approach and tangible results" through leadership-level involvement.
The Turkish president highlighted concrete achievements, including the grain corridor and prisoner swaps. "I always keep the grain corridor and prisoner swap issues on the agenda in every meeting I have with Mr. Putin, and I will continue to do so. Our hope is to achieve a result from this," Erdogan stated.
"A just and lasting peace will come by strengthening the negotiating platform without excluding either side," he said, emphasizing that Türkiye has earned trust from both parties since the war's beginning.
"If we all prioritize negotiation over conflict, peace over war, we will fully open the window of opportunity," Erdogan underlined.
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