**Turkey Offers to Host Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks**
In a significant development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that Turkey is ready to host peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. This offer comes as Russia pushes for the resumption of peace talks in Istanbul, which was also the site of failed negotiations in 2022.
The Kremlin had earlier announced its readiness to restart negotiations in Turkey, referencing the failed talks in 2022 and the current situation on the ground. Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Ukrainian officials to meet in Istanbul on May 15, following the expiration of a temporary Victory Day ceasefire that Moscow did not extend.
However, Ukraine has expressed openness to talks but insists that negotiations must begin with a “full, durable, and reliable” ceasefire, as demanded by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Macron has supported this idea and called for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting on Monday.
**Turkey’s Role in the Conflict**
Turkey has positioned itself as a mediator in the war between Russia and Ukraine while maintaining ties with both Moscow and Kyiv. Erdogan’s offer to host peace talks is seen as a bid to strengthen Turkey’s role in international diplomacy and to promote its interests in the region.
The Turkish leader has also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in initiating peace negotiations and the “sensitive implementation” of Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction processes. This statement suggests that Turkey wants to play a key role in rebuilding Ukraine after the war.
**Russia’s Demands Remain Unchanged**
Despite saying it is ready to talk, Russia continues its offensive operations across Ukraine and has rejected Western-backed proposals for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. The Kremlin has also reiterated its maximalist demands, including Ukraine’s formal recognition of the annexation of four regions, a permanent ban on NATO membership, demilitarization, and changes favoring the Russian language and religious organizations.
These demands have been widely criticized by Ukraine and Western powers as essentially amounting to Ukrainian capitulation. The fact that Russia continues to push for these terms suggests that it remains unwilling to compromise on key issues, making peace talks challenging.
**A Historic Turning Point?**
Erdogan has stated that a historic turning point has been reached towards the end of the war between Ukraine and Russia. However, this optimism is tempered by the reality that Russia’s demands remain unchanged, and the country continues its military campaign in Ukraine.
The offer to host peace talks is a crucial development, but it remains to be seen whether Turkey can play a decisive role in mediating a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
