Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined a virtual meeting of 'the Coalition of the Willing' over Ukraine, Trkiye's Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said Tuesday. The meeting focused on the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, efforts to end the conflict, and ongoing peace initiatives.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan emphasized Trkiye's commitment to facilitating direct contact between Kyiv and Moscow to achieve a 'just and lasting peace.' He proposed Istanbul as a venue for direct negotiations and noted that Trkiye is in ongoing communication with both Ukrainian and Russian officials to support this aim.

Duran further explained that during the meeting, it was suggested that a ceasefire covering energy and port infrastructure could create favorable conditions for negotiations on a comprehensive peace agreement. Representatives from 35 countries participated in the meeting, sharing views on the necessary steps to secure lasting peace.