Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a diplomatic solution that gives Russia and Ukraine a "dignified way out" of the crisis sparked by Russia's invasion.
"Together, we need to find a reasonably practical diplomatic solution that will give both sides a dignified way out of the crisis," Erdogan said, speaking on September 20 at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He said a lasting peace must be based on protecting Ukraine's territorial integrity and added that Turkey will continue to increase its efforts to end the war.
"I invite international organizations and all countries to give sincere support to Turkey's efforts," he said.
Erdogan said earlier that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to swap 200 prisoners in one of the largest exchanges of the seven-month war.
SEE ALSO: 'More Than Just A Singer': Russia Takes Notice As Pop Icon Pugacheva Crosses The KremlinHe did not give full details about the swap, calling the people being exchanged "hostages" and not saying how many there were from each side.
"Two hundred hostages will be exchanged upon agreement between the parties. I think a significant step will be taken forward," Erdogan told PBS TV late on September 19.
Erdogan said he held "very extensive discussions" during talks last week with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a regional summit in Uzbekistan.
"He is actually showing me that he is willing to end this as soon as possible," Erdogan said. "That was my impression, because the way things are going right now are quite problematic."
The Turkish leader said Moscow's return of captured territories would play an important role in any lasting truce.
SEE ALSO: Western Leaders Dismiss Referendums Planned In Russian-Controlled Areas Of Ukraine As Illegitimate"If peace is going to be established in Ukraine, of course, returning the land that was invaded will become important," he said.
Earlier on September 20 the leaders of Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine said they plan to hold referendums for the territories to become part of Russia. Several countries have said such referendums would be a sham.
Erdogan also commented on the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, saying Turkey believes a comprehensive peace is possible.
"We believe that it is possible to sign a comprehensive peace agreement between the two countries as soon as possible," Erdogan said.
Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to a cease-fire last week, ending two days of violence linked to a decades-old dispute over the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The fighting, which each side blamed on the other, left more than 200 people dead. The clashes were the deadliest since a six-week war in 2020 that left thousands dead and saw Azerbaijan make significant territorial gains in and around Nagorno-Karabakh.