Erdogan says Putin and Zelenskyy "not ready" for direct talks on war

According to Reuters, Erdogan told reporters on his flight from China that he met Putin and later called Zelenskyy, adding that recent talks in Istanbul prove a path to peace was still possible.

Turkey supports gradually elevating talks to turn hopes for peace into real progress, Erdogan said, noting that a leaders’ meeting would be necessary but conditions weren't ready yet.

NATO member Turkey has kept channels open with both Moscow and Kyiv since Russia's 2022 invasion and has sought to mediate between them.

• On Monday, September 1, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, China, Russian leader Vladimir Putin held bilateral meetings with the leaders of several countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on him to end the war against Ukraine as soon as possible, and Turkish President Recep Erdogan invited the Russian leader to visit Ankara.