Turkey calls for separate discussions on Ukraine ceasefire and sovereignty

"A dialogue about the ceasefire should commence. This doesn’t imply an endorsement of the occupation (of territory by Russia), but discussions about sovereignty and the ceasefire should be addressed independently," said the minister during a press conference at the conclusion of a diplomatic forum in Antalya.

On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscored that Turkey is prepared to host peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine again.

He highlighted that diplomacy and dialogue deserve an opportunity to reach a "fair and enduring resolution" to the conflict. "I am convinced that we should start working together, at the very least on outlining the primary aspects of peace," he added.

Erdogan expressed that Turkey "in principle" backs President Volodymyr Zelensky's 10-point peace proposal and confirmed that Ankara is poised for a "rapid repair and reconstruction" effort in Ukraine.

In March 2022, less than a month following Russia's comprehensive invasion of Ukraine, the Foreign Ministers of Ukraine and Russia, Dmytro Kuleba and Sergei Lavrov, met in Antalya, Turkey. Turkey also played a role in a so-called grain deal regarding the export of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea. Moreover, Ankara contributed to the prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia.