Moscow: Russia has firmly denied any new communications with Turkey regarding the resolution of the Ukraine conflict, following remarks from the US President about Turkey's potential role in mediating the situation.
According to Anadolu Agency, US President Donald Trump suggested that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan might play a significant role in the peace process, citing Erdogan's respect by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, however, clarified that no new talks have occurred between Moscow and Ankara concerning Ukraine and that no meeting in Turkey is currently under discussion.
Peskov mentioned that although Putin and Erdogan could potentially arrange a conversation, there have been no indications of such an initiative. He commented on the issue of possible US deliveries of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, indicating that a judgment would be made after Trump's upcoming meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Kremlin spokesman welcomed the efforts of Washington and Trump to resolve the ongoing conflict, expressing Russia's readiness for a peaceful resolution while continuing military actions in Ukraine due to a lack of other options. Peskov also highlighted the effectiveness of Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Middle Eastern negotiations and expressed hope for his contribution to resolving the Ukrainian conflict.
Trump hinted earlier this month at a decision regarding the provision of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, a request made by Zelenskyy in late September. Russian President Putin has expressed concern that such a move could deteriorate US-Russian relations and escalate the conflict further.
Turkey has previously hosted significant diplomatic discussions between Russia and Ukraine, leading to prisoner swaps and draft agreements. The most recent phone conversation between Putin and Erdogan emphasized the need for diplomatic initiatives to achieve a fair and lasting peace, as stated by Turkey's Communications Directorate.
Zelenskyy announced plans to meet with Trump in Washington, DC, with air defense and long-range capabilities topping the agenda.