Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced on Monday that there are currently no concrete plans for a meeting in Türkiye between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.

Speaking at a briefing, Peskov clarified: “So far, there is only the political will expressed by the President of Türkiye, but no specific preparations have been made.”

The statement follows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks on July 25, when he expressed his intention to facilitate a potential Ukraine-related summit in Istanbul. Erdogan revealed plans to hold phone calls with both Putin and Trump to discuss the possibility of hosting talks aimed at addressing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, Peskov’s comments suggest that no progress has been made toward organizing such a meeting.

Türkiye has previously positioned itself as a neutral mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, hosting peace talks in Istanbul in March 2022. Those early negotiations, held shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, aimed to secure a ceasefire but ultimately stalled due to disagreements over key issues, including territorial claims and security guarantees. Despite the lack of progress, Türkiye has continued to offer its services as a diplomatic hub, leveraging its strategic position and relations with both Moscow and Kyiv.

Recent reports indicate renewed interest in Istanbul as a potential venue for peace talks. Turkish officials have emphasized their readiness to host discussions, citing the city’s accessibility and Türkiye’s diplomatic ties with both Russia and Ukraine. On July 26, a source close to the Turkish Foreign Ministry told local media that Ankara is actively exploring ways to revive dialogue, including potential involvement of high-level international leaders like Putin and Trump. However, no official confirmation of such a meeting has emerged, and logistical or political hurdles may still impede progress.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, now in its fourth year, continues to cause significant loss of life and displacement, with recent escalations prompting calls for renewed diplomatic efforts. Türkiye’s offer to host talks aligns with its broader foreign policy of balancing relations with Western allies and Russia while maintaining open channels with Ukraine. Analysts suggest that any successful summit in Istanbul would require careful coordination and agreement on preconditions, which remain elusive given the entrenched positions of the warring parties.

The international community continues to watch closely as Türkiye seeks to play a pivotal role in fostering dialogue to resolve the conflict. (ILKHA)