Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasizes Turkey's role in diplomacy during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Turkey could serve as an ideal venue for upcoming peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine during a press conference in Ankara on Tuesday.
This statement followed a meeting between Erdoğan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where they discussed bilateral cooperation after a ceremony inaugurating Ukraine's new embassy building in the Turkish capital, as well as a visit to Atatürk's mausoleum by Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy had initially planned to continue his trip to Saudi Arabia but altered his schedule in light of surprising developments in U.S.-Russia talks, as reported.
Erdoğan noted that the Russian-Ukrainian conflict is approaching its fourth year, emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution through negotiations.
He remarked on Turkey's past role in facilitating dialogue between the conflicting parties, claiming that Turkey was the only nation able to bring them to the negotiating table during the early months of the war.
Erdoğan aligned his comments with recent calls by former U.S. President
Donald Trump for a swift resolution to the conflict through negotiations.
He highlighted the significant loss of innocent lives and extensive destruction caused by the war, stating that the world is expecting peace.
He reiterated Turkey's commitment to supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and political unity while actively contributing to advancing the peace process.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Turkey's understanding and support during this challenging period.
He acknowledged Turkey's firm stance on Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, which he deemed critical.
Zelenskyy also indicated the necessity of involving the United States, Europe, Turkey, and the United Kingdom in the peace negotiations, asserting that a legitimate and lasting peace could only be achieved through fair discussions.
He noted that their information regarding the recent U.S.-Russia talks held in Riyadh had come from media reports.
Zelenskyy further specified that peace must depend on security guarantees to ensure Ukraine's defense, which they seek from the United States, the European Union, Turkey, and the broader European community.
He expressed openness to Turkey's involvement in providing these necessary security assurances.
In recent developments, Garry Kasparov, a well-known political figure, labeled Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as a Trojan horse within the EU. Kasparov also inquired why Hungary had not been expelled from the union despite ongoing political tensions.
The backdrop of these statements underscores the complexity and shifting landscapes of international diplomacy concerning the ongoing conflict and the broader geopolitical ramifications in Europe.