There Is A Proposal By President Erdogan, Turkey Hopes That Putin And Zelensky Meet In The Near Future

JAKARTA - Turkey hopes that the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky can be realized in the next few days.

This was said by Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, after consultations on Western military assistance to Kyiv held at Germany's Ramstein Air Base on Wednesday.

"We hope that despite some difficulties, the two leaders will be able to meet in the coming days, thanks to a proposal from our president (Recep Tayyip Erdogan)," the Turkish Defense Ministry said, TASS reported on April 27.

"Turkey continues to contribute, to do everything necessary, including playing a mediating role, so that the humanitarian situation in Ukraine does not deteriorate and a ceasefire is reached as soon as possible," said Minister Akar.

As previously reported, Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the phone, discussing issues occurring in Ukraine.

"I can confirm (this)," a Kremlin spokesman said on Tuesday.

Citing Daily Sabah, President Erdogan said the positive momentum achieved in the Istanbul talks must 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," the Presidential Office statement said. Turkey.

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