Turkey advocates for a fair and permanent peace between Russia and Ukraine, grounded in Kyiv's territorial sovereignty.
In the ongoing complex and stalled peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, Turkey has taken on a significant role as a mediator. The Turkish city of Istanbul has been proposed as a potential venue for a leaders' summit, aimed at bringing together the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, and possibly other parties to negotiate a peace deal.
Turkey's diplomatic efforts have been instrumental in providing a platform for discussions aimed at resolving the conflict. The proposed summit in Istanbul is a testament to Turkey's commitment to fostering dialogue and working towards a just and lasting peace based on Ukraine's territorial integrity, as stated by Turkish presidential chief advisor Yalcin Topcu.
However, fundamental differences remain unresolved. Russia insists on addressing what it calls the "root causes" of the conflict, related to its security concerns, while Ukraine demands respect for its full territorial integrity and refuses to cede any land, which is constitutionally mandated. This deadlock undermines the realistic prospects of a lasting peace treaty at this stage.
Recent diplomatic efforts led by former U.S. President Donald Trump aim to push for a direct peace deal. Trump has advocated for meetings with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to coordinate positions and potentially schedule a trilateral meeting including Putin to finalize a peace deal. Zelenskyy and European leaders echo Trump's emphasis on a durable peace, not just a ceasefire.
Despite these efforts, there is skepticism about whether a trilateral summit can happen soon. Putin has reportedly only agreed to meet Zelenskyy if Ukraine accepts most Russian conditions, which Zelenskyy has so far refused. This impasse makes the summit's prospects uncertain.
In the meantime, Turkey continues to support the territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of Ukraine, including Crimea, on all international platforms and at the highest level. The priority areas for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, as stated by Topcu, include overcoming humanitarian consequences, defense industry development, transport, logistics, energy sector, housing and social infrastructure, private sector strengthening, and integration into world trade.
Positive results have been achieved in humanitarian issues, particularly prisoner exchanges and releases, due to the efforts of President Erdogan. After the first round of negotiations, an exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war was quickly carried out. After the second round, the bodies of 7,060 Ukrainian soldiers were handed over to Ukraine. As a result of the third round of negotiations, a decision was made to continue contacts between the countries and agree to exchange 1,200 prisoners.
Work has also started on the return of 339 children allegedly taken from Ukraine, as confirmed by Russian presidential advisor Vladimir Medinsky after the meeting in Istanbul. The latest negotiations took place in a positive and constructive atmosphere, and it is expected that these efforts will continue.
If the leaders agree to the meeting, Turkey is ready to ensure ideal conditions for both sides. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced plans for high-level diplomatic engagement, including talks with Putin and Trump to potentially bring the leaders of Ukraine and Russia together in Istanbul. Turkey advocates for profound changes in international structures to stop illegal occupations and supports comprehensive UN Security Council reform. The "world is bigger than five" proposal must be implemented for the UN to become more effective in peaceful conflict resolution. Turkey also advocates for expanding the UN Security Council by increasing the number of temporary members who do not have the right of veto, making the structure more democratic and representative.
In conclusion, Turkey's role as a mediator has been crucial in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine peace talks. The proposed summit in Istanbul offers a glimmer of hope for a resolution, but significant challenges remain. Turkey continues to support Ukraine's territorial integrity and is committed to fostering dialogue and working towards a just and lasting peace.
- In the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations, Turkey, particularly Istanbul, has emerged as a significant mediator venue.
- The Turkish Presidential chief advisor, Yalcin Topcu, affirmed Turkey's commitment to fostering dialogue and working towards a just and lasting peace based on Ukraine's territorial integrity.
- Despite the positive progress in humanitarian issues, such as prisoner exchanges and releases, led by President Erdogan, a trilateral summit between Russia, Ukraine, and possibly other parties, remains uncertain due to unresolved fundamental differences.
- Turkey advocates for profound changes in international structures to stop illegal occupations, supports comprehensive UN Security Council reform, and the "world is bigger than five" proposal for a more effective UN in peaceful conflict resolution.5.Turkey continues to support Ukraine's territorial integrity, with specific emphasis on Crimea, while prioritizing post-war reconstruction areas such as overcoming humanitarian consequences, defense industry development, transport, logistics, energy sector, housing and social infrastructure, private sector strengthening, and integration into world trade.
