Erdogan Says Leaders Discussed Ways To End War At Lviv Summit

Turkish President Recep Erdogan says he, "discussed possible ways to end the war," in a trilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and UN Sec-Gen Antonio Guterres in Lviv, Ukraine.

• Erdogan said that Turkey is making efforts to end the war though diplomatic means and promised that Turkey, "would provide all necessary help to re-build Ukraine."
• According to Erdogan, the "positive atmosphere" after the successful implementation of the Black Sea grain corridor shows the possibility for "lasting peace."
• Earlier today, CNN Turkey reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin told Erdogan, at their August 5 Sochi meeting, that he may be willing to meet with President Zelensky if adequate groundwork had been laid by negotiating teams.
• According to a Russian source quoted by CNN Turkey, Putin said: “First, the leaders can discuss and determine a roadmap. Then, the delegations can start work to bring this roadmap to life”.
• The comments have not been widely reported and peace talks have been stalled since April. There has been no publicly disclosed contact between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators beyond the grain corridor talks which took place in Istanbul in mid-July.
• Ukrainian officials have appeared to close the door on peace talks with Russia without a full Russia withdrawal from Ukrainian territory.
• Zelensky Spokesperson Mykhailo Podolyak said earlier this month: "If Moscow wants dialogue, it is up to them. First, a cease-fire and troops withdrawal, then – constructive [talks.]"