Türkiye has emphasized that any peace negotiations on the conflict in Ukraine must involve Russia in order to yield a meaningful solution, according to the Hurriyet newspaper. The stance was reportedly expressed during a meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia earlier this month, which brought together approximately 40 nations represented primarily by security advisers and senior diplomats. Despite participants agreeing on the importance of respecting the UN Charter and Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the talks failed to produce tangible results.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s chief adviser on foreign policy and security, Akif Cagatay Kilic, represented Türkiye at the Jeddah summit. During the meeting, Ankara asserted that excluding Russia from the search for a solution would lead to no outcome or resolution, as reported by Hurriyet. The newspaper further claimed that Türkiye remains the only party that communicates openly and clearly with both Kiev and Moscow.
Türkiye has been actively involved in mediating the conflict in Ukraine since its onset in February 2022. The country previously hosted direct talks between Kiev and Moscow in Istanbul, resulting in a preliminary peace agreement. However, the negotiations ultimately fell through as Russia accused Ukraine of disregarding the deal shortly after its initiation.
Furthermore, Ankara played a significant role in facilitating the so-called Black Sea grain deal, acting as a key broker. The UN-sponsored agreement lifted the blockade on Ukrainian Black Sea ports, enabling the country to export its agricultural produce. Russia repeatedly criticized the deal, arguing that it deviated from its original purpose of aiding the poorest nations and instead benefited Western countries. Moscow also claimed that its demands, such as unblocking its own agriculture and fertilizer exports, were not met under the agreement. As a result, Russia decided to discontinue its participation in the initiative, effectively reimposing a blockade on Ukrainian ports.
Türkiye’s active participation in diplomatic efforts reflects its commitment to finding a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. By promoting the inclusion of Russia in negotiations, Ankara seeks to ensure that all key stakeholders are involved in the search for a viable solution.
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