Some of Putin's demands 'not too difficult to meet,' says Turkey's presidential spokesperson

Photo: AA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reiterated his offer to host President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine for talks to resolve the crisis.

In a phone call yesterday (March 17), Erdoğan and Putin discussed the latest developments in Ukraine and the humanitarian situation on the ground, according to a statement by Turkey's Communications Directorate.

Citing Turkey's Presidential Spokesperson İbrahim Kalın, BBC reported that Putin told Erdoğan that he might meet Zelensky. Kalın, who was among a group of officials who listened to the conversation between the presidents, said that some of Putin's demands, such as Ukraine declaring neutral status, were not too difficult for Kyiv to meet.

Putin's demands also included the disarmament of Ukraine, protection of the Russian language in the country and its "denazification," according to Kalın.

During the phone talk, Erdoğan also told Putin that Turkey maintains the "sincere approach it had been displaying since the very beginning in order for peace to be ensured between Russia and Ukraine," the Communications Directorate said.

"Pointing out that the war would benefit no one, and that diplomacy should be given a chance, President Erdoğan drew attention to the need to attach importance to the humanitarian situation on the ground and operate the humanitarian corridors effectively in both directions," according to the statement.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which started on February 24, has drawn international condemnation and led to financial restrictions on Moscow.

At least 780 civilians have been killed and 1,252 injured in Ukraine since the beginning of the war, according to the UN, which has said that conditions on the ground make it difficult to verify the true number.

Around 3.2 million people have also fled to neighboring countries, said the UN refugee agency. (VK)