Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed Türkiye’s readiness to facilitate direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. The conversation underscored the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two leaders amid tensions in the region.
In their discussion, Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s willingness to provide diplomatic support to create favorable conditions for dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv. The leaders also touched upon bilateral relations and regional security, particularly concerning the Black Sea, which is crucial for trade and energy transit.
Erdogan highlighted the importance of maintaining safe navigation in the Black Sea, a vital area for regional commerce. The conversation reflects Türkiye’s active role in seeking to mediate and stabilize the situation in the area amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Additionally, Erdogan took the opportunity to congratulate Putin on his birthday and on the recent performance of his political party in Russia’s State Duma elections. This gesture illustrates the continued high-level communication and diplomatic engagements between Türkiye and Russia, despite the complex geopolitical landscape.