“It would be beneficial for the Istanbul process to restart with a comprehensive framework that can address the current serious problems,” Erdogan said at a joint press conference, according to Xinhua news agency, calling for fresh international support for the initiative.
He reaffirmed Turkey’s readiness to discuss with Russia “any proposals that could accelerate the ceasefire and pave the way to a just and lasting peace,” and urged all partners seeking to stop the bloodshed to adopt a constructive approach toward reviving the process.
Russia and Ukraine held a third round of peace talks in Istanbul on July 23, 2025, and although they agreed to exchange prisoners, no progress was made towards ending the ongoing conflict.
Zelenskiy said Ukraine hopes to resume prisoner exchanges by the end of the year.
“Turkey is providing strong support in this matter,” he said, adding that Kiev believes in “the strength of Turkish diplomacy and its ability to be understood in Moscow.”
He thanked President Erdoğan for Turkey’s stance during the conflict.
“Turkey’s principled position on the war with Russia is of great importance for Ukraine,” the Ukrainian leader said, expressing gratitude for Turkey’s “life-saving cooperation and Turkey’s clear stance on all important aspects” in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Master’s degree/PR