Erdogan Offers to Host Russia-Ukraine-U.S. Summit to End War

ANKARA – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday reiterated his offer to host peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, expressing hope that leaders from Russia, Ukraine, and even the United States would convene in Istanbul or Ankara.

“My greatest wish for both sides is to bring Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky together, and even Mr. Donald Trump, if they accept,” Erdogan said during a press briefing. He emphasized Turkey’s readiness to “take steps” toward facilitating such a high-level meeting.

The comments followed direct talks between Russia and Ukraine held earlier Monday in Istanbul—discussions Erdogan praised as a significant breakthrough. Despite a dramatic Ukrainian drone strike on Russian military bases over the weekend, Erdogan hailed the meeting as “magnificent” and an achievement in itself.

During the one-hour meeting, Ukraine and Russia agreed to exchange severely injured prisoners of war, those under the age of 25, and the remains of approximately 6,000 fallen soldiers, according to Ukrainian sources.

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“These figures… are very important in showing how crucial these Istanbul meetings are. And we are proud of this,” Erdogan added.

Turkey has played a key mediating role throughout the conflict, previously hosting negotiations and brokering the landmark Black Sea grain deal.