Russia-Ukraine Negotiations In Turkey, President Erdoan: It Is Important To Reach A Ceasefire And Peace As Soon As Possible

JAKARTA - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said progress in the peace talks process between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on Tuesday paved the way for a meeting of leaders of the two countries.

In a televised address to negotiators ahead of their first discussions in more than two weeks, President Erdogan called for an immediate ceasefire in the war that began last month, when Russia invaded Ukraine.

"It is up to the parties to stop this tragedy. Achieving a ceasefire and peace as soon as possible is in everyone's interest. We think we have now entered a period where real results are needed from the talks", President Erdogan said.

"The negotiation process, which you have carried out under the orders of your leaders, has raised hopes for peace", President Erdogan continued.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Embassy in Ankara said the heads of delegations had started talks and discussions would follow between the full delegation.

Yesterday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Ukraine's most ambitious goal at this week's Turkish talks was to agree to a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, a senior US official said Russian President Vladimir Putin did not appear ready to compromise to end the war.

Turkey, which is a NATO member, shares maritime borders with Ukraine and Russia on the Black Sea, has good relations with both, and has offered to mediate in the conflict. While calling the Moscow invasion unacceptable, Ankara also opposes Western sanctions.