Türkiye offers to host summit on Ukraine, says Erdogan.

247 - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky that Ankara is ready to host a summit of leaders dedicated to the crisis in Ukraine. The statement was released by the Turkish presidential administration following a telephone conversation between the two, held at Kyiv's request, according to the Russian news agency TASS.

According to Erdogan, the proposal foresees the creation of working groups focused on military, humanitarian, and political issues, as a way to pave the way for a high-level meeting. "The formation of working groups on military, humanitarian, and political issues will pave the way for a summit meeting," he stated.

The president highlighted the importance of the progress achieved in the direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia held in Istanbul and expressed hope that the next rounds of dialogue will result in progress towards a ceasefire and lasting peace. Erdogan also reiterated his support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Progress and proposals from the final round in Istanbul.

The third round of direct talks between Russians and Ukrainians took place on July 23 in the Turkish capital, beginning with a private meeting between the heads of delegations—Vladimir Medinsky for Russia and Rustem Umerov for Ukraine. The discussions were based on memoranda already submitted by each side and resulted in an agreement to expand prisoner exchanges, including civilians.

Moscow proposed the creation of three working groups—political, military, and humanitarian—and offered to transfer an additional 3 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers. It also suggested resuming brief humanitarian pauses along the front line to allow for the rescue of the wounded and the recovery of the dead.

According to Medinsky, the holding of the fourth round of negotiations will depend on the implementation of the agreements reached at the last meeting.