Erdogan seeks to arrange Zelensky-Putin summit as soon as possible

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hopes he will succeed in putting the presidents of Ukraine and Russia at the negotiation table as soon as possible and thus promote a peaceful settlement of tensions arising from the threat of Russian aggression against Ukraine.

The Turkish leader addressed the issue at a joint press conference with President of El Salvador Nayib Bukele, Ukrinform;s own correspondent reports.

"We hope to Putin and Zelensky will hold a face-to-face meeting as soon as possible. We attach great importance to both Mr Putin's visit to Turkey and my visit to Ukraine. I will pay a visit to Ukraine early next month," the Turkish leader said.

Erdogan also stressed Turkey's desire for peace in the region.

"We do not consider the current developments between Russia and Ukraine to be the right thing. The atmosphere of war in the region saddens us as a nation that has good relations with both sides. We want peace in the region, the situation must not deteriorate," Erdogan said.

As Ukrinform reported, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier invited Ukrainian and Russian presidents, Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, to meet in Turkey to discuss differences and resolve the existing issues. Erdogan has repeatedly stated that Turkey is ready to take part in resolving the crisis in and around eastern Ukraine as a mediator, as the country has good relations with both nations and hopes for a peaceful settlement.