Ukraine must accept loss of territories for there to be dialogue
Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in Ukraine, Syria and energy issues with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Kremlin said.
According to the Kremlin, Putin "acknowledged the destructive role of the West, pumping weapons into Kyiv, providing information and guidance". Putin said that Russia was ready for a dialogue on Ukraine, but that Kyiv must fulfil the previously announced requirements and take into account "new territorial realities".
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Vladimir Putin in a phone call that peace efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war should be supported by a unilateral ceasefire and a "vision for a fair solution", the Turkish presidency said on Thursday.
Erdogan and the Russian president have spoken repeatedly since Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February. Türkiye acted as a mediator alongside the United Nations to set up a deal allowing grain exports from Ukrainian ports.
"President Erdogan said calls for peace and negotiations should be supported by a unilateral ceasefire and a vision for a fair solution," the readout said, adding that Erdogan reminded Putin of the positive outcomes of the grains corridor deal. Ukraine is a major global grain producer and exporter, but production and exports have fallen since Russia invaded and started blockading its seaports.
The two leaders also discussed Syria, with Erdogan telling Putin that concrete steps needed to be taken to clear the YPG/PKK militants from the Syrian border region, the readout said.
"President Erdogan emphasised that concrete steps should now be taken to clear the terrorist organisation PKK/PYD/YPG from Türkiye's border regions, especially Tel Rifat and Manbij," it said. Ukraine's president said they must put an end to the 10-month-old war with Russia in 2023, in addition to not postponing any defensive capabilities that could speed up Moscow's defeat.
"Modern Western armoured vehicles, Western-type tanks are just one of these key capabilities," Volodymyr Zelensky said in an address to the Ukrainian people late on Wednesday. Noting that he held diplomatic discussions during the day with the leaders of France, Denmark, and
Romania, Zelenskyy said he will continue such diplomatic contacts every day with partner states and countries close to Kyiv.
"We are already responding and will respond very concretely and effectively to any new attempt by the aggressor to additionally mobilize and throw something more against Ukraine. With exactly what is necessary on the battlefield and for the protection of the entire territory of our state," Zelensky added.
Zelensky also said Ukraine and its partners all share the same goal, which is to end to the war with Russia as soon as possible, and to restore a stable and lasting peace.