TURKEY READY TO MONITOR UKRAINE CEASEFIRE, KEEPS NATO PARTNERSHIP WITH BOTH RUSSIA AND UKRAINE
18:09: Ceasefire Preparedness of Turkey Reported
Turkey has announced its willingness to oversee a potential ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to an insider from the Turkish Foreign Ministry. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made this declaration during a phone call with the leaders of the so-called "Coalition of the Willing" - Britain, France, Germany, and Poland. Turkey, being a NATO member, maintains partnering relations with both Ukraine and Russia.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has suspended several high-ranking officials of the National Guard following allegations of a large-scale corruption investigation. An internal probe by the Ministry of Internal Affairs was launched, and no further details were given. In response, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau had previously conducted searches against several members of the National Guard, suspected of taking bribes and embezzling funds.
Amid conflicting reports of ceasefires, Ukrainian President Zelensky again complained of massive ceasefire violations. According to him, Russia continued to attack Ukrainian positions and border communities from the air. Russian President Putin had only faked a ceasefire for the Victory Day parade, Zelensky asserted, adding that if Moscow didn't want to kill, they should stop. Despite Russia's confirmation of observing the ceasefire, the Ukrainian army continued attacks according to Russian Defense Ministry, which also accused the Ukrainian military of attempting to break through the border into Russian regions of Kursk and Belgorod. The claims of both warring parties could not be independently verified.
Former Kremlin chief Dmitri Medvedev dismissed the Ukrainian demand for a 30-day ceasefire, while Chancellor Merz expressed his openness to a phone call with Putin. However, Merz stated that any conversation with Putin would be coordinated with European partners and the US. Macron and Merz were cautiously optimistic about ending the war in Ukraine but warned Russia of massive sanctions if it violated the proposed ceasefire.
Political scientist Thomas Jäger stated that Ukraine would not trust Russia an inch even with a peace treaty. Additional threats came from Iran, expected to supply Russia with carrier rockets for its short-range Fath-360 missiles, according to Reuters sources.
The former head of the Russian Security Council, Medvedev, also lashed out at the meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" in Kyiv, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz. In a brutal English statement on X, Medvedev dismissed the peace talks as foolish and accused Western leaders of using Ukraine as a means to threaten Russia. He questioned whether it made sense for Russia to choose between a ceasefire for the "hordes" or new sanctions imposed by the West.
Read all previous developments here.
Topics:- Ukraine Conflict- Ukraine- Military- Military Operations- Russia- NATO- Cyber War- Attack on Ukraine- Volodymyr Zelenskyy- Vladimir Putin- Wars and Conflicts- War Crimes
Enrichment Data:
Türkiye's Potential Role in Monitoring a Ceasefire in the Ukraine War: Details and Implications
Türkiye has expressed its readiness to monitor compliance with a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine if an agreement is reached. This development comes as part of diplomatic efforts involving the "Coalition of the Willing," a group of countries engaged in seeking a resolution in Ukraine.
Turkey has demonstrated its commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty during an international meeting and expressed its willingness to take on responsibilities related to monitoring the ceasefire, ensuring that all parties comply with the agreed terms over land, air, and sea.
Türkiye's involvement as a monitor could bring a regional and somewhat neutral actor into the oversight process, enhancing trust and legitimacy in the enforcement of the ceasefire agreement. Türkiye’s position as a NATO member and its historically balanced diplomatic relations with both Russia and Ukraine contribute to this potential. This monitoring role could provide accountability and transparency on the ground, potentially reducing violations and misunderstandings that often undermine ceasefires in protracted conflicts.
However, the effectiveness and enforcement of any new ceasefire agreement is uncertain, given the history of previous unilateral ceasefires' shortcomings, such as Russia's short 72-hour truce declared for a commemorative purpose. Violations and mutual accusations of violations have plagued these agreements, casting some uncertainty on the effectiveness and enforcement of any new ceasefire.
- Labored diplomatic negotiations continue as Turkey offers to monitor a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, further involving itself as a regional, neutral actor in the conflict.
- Keenly aware of the fragile nature of past ceasefires, many question the sustainability of a new agreement, given Russia's history of unilateral truces and accusations of violations.
- Despite Russia's confirmation of observing the ceasefire, the Ukrainian army's continued attacks and Russia's alleged continued attacks on Ukrainian positions have led to conflicting claims about compliance.
- Amidst the complex negotiation landscape, the leadership of nations like Britain, Germany, France, and Poland, as well as Ukraine and Russia, hold significant influence on the progress and future of the ceasefire agreement, with the potential for Turkey's involvement to tip the balance.
