ANKARA, May 1. /TASS/. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues undertaking efforts to organize a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Vladimir Zelensky, Turkey’s top diplomat Mevlut Cavusoglu said after visiting Latin American countries.

"Our president is holding negotiations with both leaders," the Sabah newspaper quoted Foreign Minister as saying on Sunday. Erdogan’s only goal is to settle the conflict in Ukraine and mend fences between Putin and Zelensky, Foreign Minister noted. "We are sincerely proceeding with our efforts. Our president also calls them when it is necessary, while they call him," he said.

NATO will give a response

NATO will give an adequate response to Russia in the event of an attack on one of its allies, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday after visiting Latin American countries.

"NATO’s position is clear," the Sabah newspaper quoted Foreign Minister as saying when asked to comment on arms supplies to Baltic states. The alliance does not intent to become involved in the Ukrainian conflict, Turkey’s top diplomat noted, adding though that "in the event of a smallest attack on any ally we will respond adequately."

Conflict resolution

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has announced readiness to organize a visit of leaders of a number of states, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to Russia for settlement of the situation in Ukraine, Turkey’s top diplomat Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday after visiting Latin American countries.

"Venezuela has good relations with Russia. Both Brazil and Venezuela said the war should be stopped. Brazilian President said if it benefits President Erdogan he can organize a visit to Moscow jointly with leaders of a number of states. We said we would like to contribute to those efforts. We will address the issue and give a reply," the Sabah newspaper quoted Foreign Minister as saying.

He did not provide details on when such a visit might be held and who might participate in it.

Earlier, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not rule out the possibility of a meeting to be held between Putin and Zelensky, adding though that it should be properly prepared to be fruitful.

Tensions escalated along the line of contact in Donbass on February 17. On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced recognizing the sovereignty of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics. Putin said in a televised address on February 24 that in response to a request by the heads of the Donbass republics he had made a decision to carry out a special military operation in Ukraine.