Erdogan Offers Trump Help Reviving Ukraine-Russia Talks

October 30 ------ Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told US President Donald Trump that Ankara was ready to help revive diplomacy between Ukraine and Russia to bring the war to an end.

Turkey’s presidential communications directorate announced the offer in a readout of their telephone conversation. “Türkiye stands ready to contribute to the efforts exerted to revive the diplomatic process between Ukraine and Russia,” the statement said.

The leaders also discussed bilateral relations and developments in the Strait of Hormuz and Yemen, where Erdogan advocated diplomatic solutions. Trump congratulated Erdogan and the Turkish people ahead of Republic Day, which Turkey marks on Oct. 29.

Kyiv prepares for possible November negotiations

Erdogan’s offer comes as Ukraine, Russia, and the US prepare for another round of negotiations, with Abu Dhabi under consideration as the venue.

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, President Volodymyr Zelensky said he hoped the meeting would take place between Nov. 6 and Nov. 10. Kyiv was still awaiting confirmation from Washington, and Zelensky said the location could change depending on developments in the Middle East. The planned discussions would involve negotiating teams and could prepare the ground for a subsequent meeting between national leaders.

Ukraine’s proposed agenda includes de-escalation around energy infrastructure and at sea, prisoner exchanges, the release of Ukrainian civilians held in Russia, and the return of Ukrainian children. Zelensky has said the most sensitive questions, particularly territory and security guarantees, require talks at the leadership level. No date for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin has been agreed.

Turkey has already offered to host talks

Ankara previously offered Istanbul as a venue for negotiations involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia. During an April 4 meeting with Zelensky in Istanbul, Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s willingness to support a sustainable peace. Zelensky subsequently said Ukraine was ready to attend talks there and participate in a leadership-level meeting in any format.

The leaders also agreed to deepen security cooperation, including projects involving Ukrainian expertise, technology, and battlefield experience. However, Wednesday’s readout did not announce a new negotiating venue or a specific Turkish role in the upcoming round.

Source: kyivpost.com