Talking On A Phone Call: President Erdoan Emphasizes Importance Of Ceasefire, Putin Wants Ukraine To Order Troops To Lay Down Arms

JAKARTA - Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the phone, discussing the problems happening in Ukraine.

"I can confirm (this)," a Kremlin spokesman said on Tuesday when asked if the two leaders would speak today.

"Besides, I can say that they have spoken. And I can confirm that they discussed Ukraine," he added.

Meanwhile, citing Daily Sabah, President Erdogan said the positive momentum achieved in the Istanbul talks should be maintained, with meetings between leaders also taking place.

"President Erdoğan, who expressed the importance of reaching a ceasefire, working in humanitarian corridors effectively, and carrying out evacuations in a safe manner, noted Turkey will continue to do its best to stop the course of events that damage everyone and ensure lasting peace," Turk Presidential Office statement said.

He also repeated the offer to host the Russian and Ukrainian leaders for peace talks, the statement continued.

Meanwhile, President Putin told President Erdogan over the phone that Ukraine should order its military to lay down weapons at the Azovstal steel plant, Mariupol.

He also told the Turkish president that no military operation had taken place in Mariupol, the Kremlin said.

Turkey, which is a NATO member, shares borders with Ukraine and Russia on the Black Sea, has good relations with both, and has worked as a mediator.

Turkey has hosted two separate talks between Ukraine and Russia and has been pushing to host a leaders' meeting.