By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
ISTANBUL – In a significant diplomatic move, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has extended an offer to host a peace summit between Ukraine and Russia during talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Erdogan, known for his consistent advocacy of brokering a peace deal, expressed hope that Russia would embrace Turkey’s proposal, emphasizing the country’s commitment to facilitating negotiations.
During a press conference in Istanbul following the meeting with Zelenskyy, Erdogan underscored Turkey’s role in promoting peace and reiterated its readiness to host a summit involving both Ukraine and Russia. Despite Turkey’s goodwill gesture, Ukraine maintains its position of not engaging directly with Russia in peace talks.
Zelenskyy’s Conditions for Peace Negotiations
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, while appreciating Turkey’s offer, has outlined his conditions for peace negotiations. Insisting that the initiative must come from the invaded country, Zelenskyy presented a 10-point plan as the basis for talks. This comprehensive plan includes provisions for food security, restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, withdrawal of Russian troops, the release of prisoners, a tribunal for those responsible for aggression, and security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelenskyy stressed that any peace proposals must align with this plan, seeking a “fair peace” for Ukraine.
Defense Collaborations and Trade Agreements
During Zelenskyy’s visit to Turkey, discussions expanded beyond peace negotiations to encompass joint defense projects and trade agreements. Agreements were reached on collaborative defense initiatives, demonstrating the strengthening ties between the two nations. The leaders also expressed their intention to streamline trade and eliminate business barriers. Erdogan reassured Ukraine of Turkey’s unwavering support for its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence, emphasizing the importance of stability in the Black Sea shipping corridor.
Ukraine’s Urgent Call for Munitions
As the conflict persisted, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urgently called for increased supplies of munitions and weaponry to counter the advancing Russian troops. Warning that current aid levels are insufficient, Kuleba emphasized the need for an unrestricted and timely supply of weapons to ensure Ukraine’s victory and prevent the conflict from spilling over into Europe.
China’s Involvement and Kyiv Visit
In a parallel development, China’s special representative for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, visited Kyiv as part of a European tour focused on resolving the “Ukraine crisis.” Li engaged with officials from Russia, the EU, Switzerland, and Poland before arriving in Ukraine. Discussions revolved around potential assistance in prisoner exchanges, the return of Ukrainian children to Russia, and the recovery of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, seized by Russia in 2022.
Demobilization of Conscripted Soldiers
In a separate development, President Zelenskyy signed an order allowing the first demobilization of soldiers conscripted before Russia’s full-scale invasion. Effective in April or May, this order enables these soldiers to return home and remain in the army reserves after completing their mandatory service.
As the war in Ukraine intensifies, these developments underscore the complexity of the conflict, with international efforts, diplomatic negotiations, and urgent military needs playing crucial roles in shaping the path forward.