In a statement issued by the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, it was noted that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke on the phone with President Vladimir Putin of Russia.
It was reported that during the meeting, Türkiye-Russia bilateral relations, the regional situation, and global issues were discussed.
Erdoğan stated that Russia and Ukraine should commence the third round of negotiations without delay. President Erdoğan expressed Türkiye’s willingness to continue hosting the talks once all parties agree on a suitable time.
Regarding the latest situation in Syria, Erdoğan stated that the clashes, which broke out in the wake of Syrian administration forces' withdrawal from Suwayda province, threaten the entire region. Erdoğan emphasised that Israel should not violate Syria's sovereignty and stated that Türkiye’s goal is to ensure Syria’s security and stability and to restore national order as soon as possible.
At the regular press briefing on July 17, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zakharova, stated that the Russian delegation is ready to hold the third round of negotiations with Ukraine in İstanbul.
On May 16, the Russian and Ukrainian delegations resumed direct negotiations in İstanbul, aiming for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This was the first direct meeting between the parties after three years.
The Russian and Ukrainian parties held the second round of direct negotiations in İstanbul on June 2.