Erdogan Urges Limited Halt to Fighting Over Energy Sites and Ports in Ukraine
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for considering the implementation of a limited ceasefire regarding energy facilities and ports between Ukraine and Russia.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to Ukrinform.
During talks on the sidelines of the International Forum on Peace and Security in Turkmenistan, Erdogan emphasized that Turkey seeks to contribute to a fair and sustainable resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war. He stated that progress is possible in areas that would bring tangible benefits to both sides, primarily in protecting critical infrastructure.
The Turkish leader noted that a limited ceasefire on energy facilities and ports could be an important step to reduce risks and the humanitarian impact of strikes.
Erdogan stressed that Ankara is closely monitoring all diplomatic tracks aimed at ending the war and is ready to participate in negotiations in any format. During a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron in early December, the Turkish president said that Ankara actively supports contacts with Ukraine and Russia to restore and advance the Istanbul negotiation process.
"Turkey is making every effort to end the war between Ukraine and Russia by establishing a just and lasting peace… Contacts with the parties continue to activate the Istanbul process, and Turkey is ready to do everything possible to open the doors to peace as soon as possible," the office of the Turkish president stated.
Earlier, on November 19 in Ankara, Turkish and Ukrainian Presidents held talks. During a joint press conference, Erdoğan emphasized the need to restore the Istanbul process as a comprehensive mechanism capable of resolving key issues of the ongoing war and called on international partners to support its activation.
President Zelenskyy, in turn, stated that Ukraine seeks to resume prisoner exchanges by the end of the year and expressed gratitude to Turkey for its active and consistent support in this matter.
"Turkey's principled position on the war with Russia is very important for Ukraine," said the Ukrainian leader, expressing gratitude for the Turkish "cooperation that helps protect lives, and Türkiye's clear attitude to all key aspects" of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Through Turkey’s mediation, three rounds of Russia-Ukraine negotiations have already taken place. The most recent of these occurred on July 23, 2025, focusing on humanitarian progress and confidence-building measures. The discussions highlighted the exchange of 1,200 prisoners and the return of 7,000 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers, with another 3,000 prepared for handover.
As The Gaze previously reported, Turkish President expressed his intention to speak with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin about organizing a high-level summit in Istanbul focused on the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Read more on The Gaze: Can Türkiye bring peace or ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine?