Turkey’s president reiterated an offer to host his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts to find a diplomatic solution on Thursday, as he continued his diplomatic efforts for a cease-fire in the war between the two countries.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone about the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war and the humanitarian situation on the ground, according to a statement from Turkiye’s Communications Directorate.
According to the statement, Erdogan informed Putin that a lasting cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine would open the way for a long-term settlement between the two warring countries.
He stated that Turkiye remains committed to ensuring peace between Russia and Ukraine, as it has done from the beginning of the conflict.
The Turkish president stated that the conflict will benefit neither side and that negotiation should be given a chance.
Erdogan also emphasized the need of monitoring the humanitarian situation on the ground and running humanitarian corridors in both directions properly.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began on February 24, has sparked worldwide censure, financial sanctions against Moscow, and an exodus of global corporations from Russia.
According to the UN, at least 780 people have been killed and 1,252 injured in Ukraine since the start of the conflict, while conditions on the ground make it difficult to verify the exact figure.
According to the UN refugee agency, more than 3.2 million people have fled to neighboring nations.