Erdogan and Putin discussed the situation around Ukraine

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, the Turkish news agency reported. Anadolu.

Erdogan, in a conversation with Putin, said that maintaining a positive attitude towards peace between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, which emerged during the negotiations in Istanbul, is in the interests of all parties, according to the Turkish Presidential Administration’s Communications Department. The Turkish leader stressed the importance of a ceasefire, the effectiveness of humanitarian corridors and safe evacuation from war zones.

Erdogan noted that the processes that carry the threat of damage to the interests of all parties must be stopped. The President of Turkey assured of Ankara’s readiness to continue to make a feasible contribution to ensuring long-term peace between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. At the same time, he again voiced the idea of ​​holding a meeting of the presidents of the Russian Federation and Ukraine as an important stage in the Istanbul negotiation process.

In the Kremlin reportedthat “Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan also discussed Russia’s efforts to ensure the safety of civilians in Ukraine, in particular, the organization of humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of people.”

In connection with the issue raised by Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the situation in Mariupol, the President of Russia noted that this city has been liberated and there are no military operations there. As for the Ukrainian servicemen and militants of nationalist battalions blocked on the territory of the Azovstal plant, the Kyiv authorities should take political responsibility and, guided by humane considerations, order them to lay down their arms. Prisoners of war are guaranteed life, medical care and treatment in accordance with international legal standards.

Vladimir Putin also informed the Russian and Ukrainian representatives about the state of affairs at the talks. The leaders agreed to continue coordination between the defense departments of the two countries with the aim of the safe exit of Turkish ships from the ports on the Black Sea, along the maritime humanitarian corridor organized by the Russian side.

Issues of developing bilateral relations, including in the field of air traffic and tourism, were considered. Particular satisfaction was expressed with the growth of trade and economic cooperation. It was agreed to continue a regular dialogue.

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