Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan proposed Turkey as a venue for potential peace talks concerning the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting past mediation successes. He reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and stressed the urgency of ending the conflict. Concurrently, U.S. and Russian officials engaged in direct discussions, underscoring the need for formal negotiations involving Ukraine.
On February 18, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey is an ideal venue for potential peace negotiations regarding the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. During a press conference alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Erdogan expressed Turkey’s readiness to host discussions among Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, emphasizing the country’s previous mediation efforts, including the Black Sea grain deal facilitating Ukrainian exports prior to Russia’s withdrawal in 2023.
Erdogan underscored Turkey’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence, declaring, “This war must end.” He reiterated the Turkish commitment to aid in reaching a sustainable peace agreement. Meanwhile, Zelensky highlighted the importance of Ukraine’s inclusion in any discussions that will determine its future amid ongoing U.S.-Russia dialogues.
The talks on February 18 marked a significant moment, being the first direct communications between U.S. and Russian officials since the inception of the full-scale invasion. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov conferred with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during these discussions. Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for an imminent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia, although specific dates remain unconfirmed.
Turkish President Erdogan’s declaration of Turkey as an appropriate host for peace talks regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine reflects the country’s previous mediation successes. His commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the necessity of ending the war aligns with ongoing international efforts, particularly as U.S. and Russian officials engage in direct discussions. The dialogue emphasizes the need for Ukrainian involvement in determining its future amidst escalating geopolitical tensions.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com
