Erdoğan offers Istanbul as venue for direct Ukraine-Russia talks

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TÜRKİYE — NOVEMBER 26, 2025

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan participated in the virtual Leaders Summit of the Volunteer Coalition on Ukraine, where he reiterated Ankara's readiness to host direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow to end the ongoing conflict.

The summit addressed the latest developments on the front lines and evaluated international efforts to establish a ceasefire. Turkey, maintaining its strategic balance, emphasized its unique position to facilitate dialogue between the warring parties for a just and lasting resolution.

Continued diplomatic engagement

According to a statement by Presidency Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, the meeting focused on concrete steps toward peace. Duran highlighted President Erdoğan's commitment to diplomatic channels during his address to the coalition leaders.

"Our President emphasized that Turkey will continue its diplomatic efforts to facilitate direct contacts between the parties to ensure a fair and lasting peace," Duran stated.

Turkey’s mediation role

Since the outbreak of the war, Turkey has maintained open channels of communication with both Ukraine and Russia, positioning itself as a key mediator. The country previously hosted high-level delegations from both sides in Istanbul during the early stages of the conflict.

Erdoğan reportedly stressed that Istanbul remains a viable venue for resuming direct talks, signaling Ankara's intent to revitalize the peace process amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics.