Turkey Ready To Return To Host Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks

Turkey on Monday declared its readiness to host Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations again, as the war between the two countries entered its third year, on the other hand supporting efforts made by the United States.

Ankara supports the United States' initiative to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but negotiations must involve the two warring sides, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at a joint press conference with Russian partner Sergei Lavrov after meeting in Ankara.

Moscow and Washington have started direct dialogue in recent weeks with backgrounds for restoring relations between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Last week, high-level Russian and US officials held talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

"We attach great importance to the new US initiative as a result-oriented approach. We believe that solutions can be achieved through negotiations involving both parties," Foreign Minister Fidan told reporters.

Foreign Minister Fidan said Turkey was ready to take any steps that would help realize peace. At the beginning of the war, Turkey had hosted negotiations on the Russian and Ukrainian delegations.

"Turkey is always ready to take on any role that facilitates or accelerates (peace). Our goal is to end this devastating war as soon as possible and to heal wounds in the region," he said.

He also said Ankara would continue his efforts to ensure the safety of navigation in the Black Sea, adding: "If implemented, this step will be an important step to build trust."

Foreign Minister Lavrov's visit was carried out on the three-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a week after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to the Turkish capital.

Foreign Minister Lavrov said Russia was ready to negotiate over Ukraine's war, but would only stop fighting if a peaceful settlement was "according" to Moscow.

He recalled that Russia had announced a ceasefire several times but Ukraine had used it to strengthen its position.

"We will stop hostilities only if these negotiations produce firm and sustainable results in accordance with the Russian Federation," he said.

On the same occasion Foreign Minister Lavrov also said a follow-up meeting between Russia and the US would take place later this week to address obstacles in the operation of diplomatic missions.

The senior Russian diplomat also said he briefed Foreign Minister Fidan on the results of last week's talks in Riyadh.

"We have informed our Turkish friends in detail about the Russia-American talks taking place on February 18 in Riyadh, which are highly appreciated in terms of the opportunity to finally have a normal dialogue, despite the many contradictions that, of course, still exist," he said.

Regarding peace negotiations in Turkey, he said an agreement with Ukraine was reached in Istanbul in April 2022, but former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson blocked it, and the West prevented its implementation from weakening Russia.