Events in Bucha, Irpin, Kramatorsk overshadow our efforts toward peaceful settlement - Erdogan

The events in Bucha, Irpin, and Kramatorsk have overshadowed Turkey's efforts to resolve peacefully the war that Russia unleashed against Ukraine. Nevertheless, Turkey will continue to make efforts to continue negotiations, remaining ready to set up a summit between President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This was stated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a meeting with foreign ambassadors, Ukrinform reports.

"Footage from Bucha and Irpin, and strikes on civilians in Kramatorsk overshadowed our efforts (toward settlement - ed.) ... As a country trusted by both sides, we pursue our efforts. The Istanbul process still remains the most reliable one, being the shortest way out of the crisis," Erdogan said.

The president of Turkey said he remained in contact with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, and stressed his readiness to help the two hold talks.

"There will be no winner in this war because all humanity will lose. In fact, as the conflict continues, both human losses and economic costs are increasing. Our world is drifting to great uncertainty," the president said.

Erdogan also said that Turkey would continue its efforts to achieve a satisfactory outcome of the talks in Istanbul, which would satisfy both the parties and the international community.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the latest round of talks between Ukraine and the Russian Federation took place in Istanbul on March 28.

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a new phase of his war against Ukraine, a full-scale invasion. The Armed Forces of Ukraine, territorial defense units, and the entire nation have risen up against the invaders, inflicting significant losses on Russian forces.