Putin, Erdogan discuss Ukraine situation over phone

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday discussed bilateral ties and the situation of Ukraine in a phone call, reported Xinhua, quoting the Kremlin.

The conversation on the bilateral relationship focused on further expansion of trade and investment ties as well as the implementation of strategic projects in energy, the Kremlin said in a news release.

Regarding the Ukraine situation, Putin said the recent U.S. peace proposals, which have been reviewed by Russia, "could in principle serve as a basis for the final peace settlement."

Putin added that the proposals were in line with what had been discussed during the Russia-U.S. summit in August in the U.S. state of Alaska.

Erdogan expressed his intention to advance the negotiation process in every possible way and his willingness to keep Istanbul available as a platform for future negotiations, the Kremlin said.

During the conversation, Erdogan told Putin that Türkiye would continue its efforts to help ensure that the Russia-Ukraine conflict ends with a "just and lasting peace," according to a Turkish statement.

Erdogan added that Türkiye remains ready to support any diplomatic initiative or plan that could facilitate direct contact between the parties and open the path toward durable peace in the region.

Representatives from the United States, Ukraine and European countries met in Geneva on Sunday as the White House pushes for agreement on a 28-point plan to end the Ukraine crisis.

The White House said that the United States and Ukraine drafted an "updated and refined" peace framework during the talks in Geneva, with both sides agreeing to continue to work on joint proposals in the coming days.