Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone conversation on Thursday, discussing the US proposal for Ukrainian settlement among other topics, according to the Kremlin press service.
During their talk, the leaders exchanged views on the situation around Ukraine, particularly regarding the American peace initiative. President Putin noted that the current US proposal aligns with previous discussions during the Russia-US summit in Alaska and could potentially form the basis for a final peace settlement.
The Russian leader reaffirmed Moscow's commitment to resolving the Ukrainian crisis through political and diplomatic means.
President Erdoğan expressed Turkey's readiness to facilitate the negotiation process, offering Istanbul as a potential venue for future talks.
Both leaders agreed to intensify Russian-Turkish contacts on the Ukrainian dossier at various levels. They also reviewed current bilateral cooperation, emphasizing further expansion of trade and investment ties, along with implementation of strategic energy projects.
The presidents agreed to maintain regular contact, with Erdoğan sharing impressions from his recent participation at the G20 summit in Johannesburg and meetings with other world leaders.
The discussion follows recent US-Ukrainian consultations on Washington's 28-point peace plan. According to Western media reports, the proposal involves US and other countries recognizing Russian sovereignty over Crimea, Donbas and other territories, while Kyiv would receive American and European security guarantees. The plan also reportedly includes lifting sanctions against Russia and establishing a demilitarized zone.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the latest round of talks as "the most productive" since the conflict began. Ukrainian media reported that Washington and Kyiv have managed to reconcile most provisions of the plan, with the US agreeing to separate Ukraine's European integration and NATO membership into distinct negotiation tracks.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS