Russian President Putin and Turkish President Erdogan spoke by phone Jan. 16 on many matters. “President Erdogan again stated Ankara’s readiness for assistance and mediation in achieving lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine,” the Anadolu news agency said in a report, citing the communications department of the Turkish presidential administration.
The Kremlin posted a read-out on the call today. It stated, “The presidents continued exchanging views on the developments around Ukraine. They reviewed the exchange of POWs, primarily the wounded, at Turkiye’s initiative and with account for the recent meetings of the Russian and Ukrainian human rights commissioners in Ankara.
“Vladimir Putin emphasized the Kiev regime’s destructive policy of continuing to intensify the hostilities with the support of its Western sponsors, which are still sending more arms and combat equipment to Ukraine. Kiev’s hypocritical policy is illustrated by its refusal to accept a proposal on a ceasefire during the Orthodox Christmas.”
