Istanbul, Türkiye – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday reiterated Türkiye’s readiness to host potential high-level negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, emphasizing the urgent need to end the war that has caused immense destruction and loss of innocent lives.
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Speaking at a joint press conference in Ankara alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Erdogan stressed that Türkiye remains committed to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, calling it a “sine qua non” for Ankara.
“The war, which has led to countless innocent deaths and immense destruction, must end now,” Erdogan declared. “For a just peace to be possible, powerful nations must take a clear stance in favor of peace.”
Türkiye’s Role in Peace Efforts
Erdogan highlighted Türkiye’s past mediation efforts, recalling the direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine held in Istanbul in March 2022. “As a result of our engagements with both parties, we launched the Black Sea Grain Initiative,” he said. “Over the last three years, we have pursued diplomatic initiatives at all levels, working sincerely to be a reliable mediator for both sides—and we have achieved concrete results.”
The Turkish leader emphasized that peace has no losers and that the world is now eagerly anticipating an end to the war. “This is why we championed the establishment of the grain corridor,” he noted. “We initially saw positive outcomes, with 30,000 tons of grain transported, but unfortunately, we could not ensure its continuation after Moscow withdrew from the deal in July 2023, citing restrictions on Russian grain exports.”
Erdogan also expressed his gratitude to Zelenskyy for Ukraine’s efforts in providing grain to Syria. “The grain Ukraine sent to us, we processed into flour in our mills and delivered to Syria. This brought great relief to the Syrian people, and I thank Ukraine on their behalf. It was a humanitarian and moral obligation,” he said.
He further welcomed the diplomatic initiative launched by U.S. President Donald Trump to accelerate negotiations and end the war, stating that it aligns with Türkiye’s mediation efforts over the past three years.
US-Russia Talks and Türkiye’s Strategic Position
Earlier in the day, Russian and U.S. delegations met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the first high-level talks since the war began in February 2022. The meeting resulted in an agreement to continue discussions on ending the war and improving bilateral ties.
Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s role as a bridge between the warring sides. “We believe that an arrangement ensuring the safety of commercial navigation in the Black Sea will be an important confidence-building measure on the path to peace,” he said.
Strengthening Türkiye-Ukraine Ties
Beyond the ongoing conflict, Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Ukraine. “Despite the challenges posed by the war, we remain dedicated to achieving our bilateral trade target of $10 billion,” he stated.
He also emphasized Türkiye’s willingness to assist in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. “Turkish companies stand ready to support Ukraine in rebuilding its infrastructure. I sincerely believe that once peace is restored, our relations will reach even greater heights,” Erdogan added.
Expressing solidarity with Ukraine’s Crimean Tatar community, Erdogan commended Zelenskyy’s efforts to protect their rights. “I deeply appreciate the courageous steps taken by my dear friend Zelenskyy in support of our Crimean Tatar compatriots who continue to fight for Ukraine’s territorial integrity,” he said, expressing hope for further progress on the issue.
As Türkiye positions itself as a key facilitator in ending the war, Erdogan’s remarks underscore Ankara’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict.
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