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The United Nations has expressed appreciation for Türkiye's role in facilitating peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, as Istanbul prepares to host negotiations between the warring nations on May 15.
UN Secretary-General's Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric commented on the upcoming talks, stating, "We have always appreciated Türkiye's role in efforts to end this conflict. Our position remains the same: we want the conflict to end under relevant U.N. resolutions and international law, and we continue to support all efforts toward this goal."
Dujarric added that further details would be provided once the meeting plans in Istanbul become clearer.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on May 11 that he would propose restarting peace negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, indicating he would ask President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to provide a platform for the discussions.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the potential outcome of the Istanbul talks, stating, "I don't know where I'll be at that moment. I'll be somewhere in the Middle East, but if I think it would be helpful, I could fly there (to Istanbul)."
This is not the first time Türkiye has played a mediating role in the conflict. Previously, in 2022, Russia and Ukraine conducted direct negotiations in Istanbul aimed at ending the war.
Through Türkiye's intensive diplomatic efforts, Russian and Ukrainian delegations met at the Presidential Dolmabahce Working Office in Istanbul on March 29, 2022.
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India has welcomed the planned Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul. Indian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We welcome the direct talks announced between Russia and Ukraine. The talks provide an opportunity for both sides to address their concerns through dialogue and diplomacy."
Jaiswal added that New Delhi advocates for "sincere and constructive" dialogue to achieve lasting and early peace between Russia and Ukraine.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed satisfaction with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's willingness to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Berlin, Merz noted that Ukraine has accepted an unconditional 30-day cease-fire. "We are waiting for Putin's approval," he said.
Merz emphasized that if no real progress is made this week, they would push for significantly tightened sanctions, mentioning that the European Union's 17th sanctions package against Russia is being prepared.
"We welcome President Zelenskyy's readiness to personally go to Türkiye and negotiate peace there with President Putin," Merz stated.
The German Chancellor stressed that the decision to start peace negotiations now lies with the Kremlin.
"The ball is solely in Russia's court," he said. Merz reaffirmed their determination regarding sanctions and emphasized that the war must end as soon as possible.
However, he added that they would continue to support Ukraine as long as the war continues.
"None of us can accept the changing of borders in Europe through the use of military force. If we turn a blind eye to this once, we will face more aggression from other European countries. No one should underestimate our determination," he concluded.
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