Zelensky and Putin Discuss Ceasefire with Erdogan's Help
The talks have set the stage for further negotiations, with Ukraine proposing a third meeting in June and Russia proposing a ceasefire along certain parts of the front line. The exchange of prisoners and bodies of killed soldiers is expected to take place in the coming days, and Turkey's continued mediation will be crucial in facilitating further progress in the peace talks.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed gratitude to Russia and Ukraine for placing trust in Turkey's mediation in their peace talks, resulting in both sides exchanging proposals for a potential cease-fire. The talks, hosted by Turkey, included discussions on a cease-fire, humanitarian exchanges, and a possible leaders' summit, marking a cautious step forward in efforts to end the war.
The second round of talks resulted in an agreement to exchange severely injured prisoners of war and those under 25, as well as the remains of 6,000 troops killed in combat. However, Russia rejected Ukraine's call for an unconditional ceasefire, instead proposing a ceasefire along certain parts of the front line, lasting two to three days, to recover bodies of killed soldiers. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated his willingness to host a meeting between American, Russian, and Ukrainian leaders to end the war in Ukraine.
Erdogan said Turkiye would "take steps" to facilitate a meeting between US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The White House has confirmed that Trump is "open" to meeting his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts in Turkiye. The talks were seen as a success, with Erdogan hailing them as "magnificent" despite the lack of progress on a truce.
The agreement to exchange prisoners and bodies of killed soldiers is a significant step forward in the peace talks, and Turkey's mediation has played a crucial role in bringing the two sides together. However, the lack of progress on a ceasefire and the rejection of Ukraine's call for an unconditional ceasefire highlight the challenges that still need to be overcome to achieve a lasting peace.