Turkey calls for a fair, enduring peace between Russia and Ukraine, grounded in Kyiv's territorial sovereignty
Turkey has been a crucial link between Ukraine and Turkey, providing support on issues concerning the Crimean Tatars. The Turkish government continues to advocate for a just and lasting peace to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, recognising that peace has no losers, and war has no winners.
In a series of negotiations, Turkey has played a mediating role between Ukraine and Russia. Three rounds of talks have taken place in Istanbul since mid-May, with positive results achieved in prisoner exchanges and releases. President Erdogan's efforts are expected to continue in the future.
One of the significant outcomes of these negotiations was the exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war following the first round, and an agreement to exchange 1,200 prisoners following the third round. Work has also started on the return of 339 children allegedly taken from Ukraine, following discussions in Istanbul.
However, as of August 2025, peace talks are mainly framed around US-led initiatives, with no reported active role for Turkey as a mediator in these discussions. The conflict continues on the ground, with Russia apparently preparing for further military action.
Turkey believes comprehensive reform of the United Nations is necessary for it to become more effective in peaceful conflict resolution. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced plans for high-level diplomatic engagement and is ready to host a leaders' summit in Istanbul if both parties agree. Turkey's position on Security Council reform focuses on expanding the number of temporary members who do not have the right of veto, making the structure of the UN Security Council more democratic and representative.
Turkey's post-war reconstruction support framework prioritises overcoming humanitarian consequences, development of the defence industry, transport, logistics, the energy sector, construction of housing and social infrastructure, strengthening the private sector, and integration into world trade.
President Erdogan was the only leader who could negotiate with both sides during the most difficult periods of the war, and his close dialogue with other world leaders led to the signing of the 'grain deal.' The latest negotiations took place in a positive and constructive atmosphere, and the issue of returning children was raised.
It is worth noting that Turkey advocates for the implementation of President Erdogan's proposal 'the world is bigger than five' to reform international institutions. Turkey's transport infrastructure needs over $116.42B investment by 2035, according to a report.
References:
- CNN
- BBC News
- The Washington Post
- Despite the shift in peace talks to US-led initiatives, Turkey continues to be actively involved in the General News regarding the war between Russia and Ukraine, having played a mediating role in three rounds of negotiations in Istanbul.
- In addition to the prisoner exchanges and releases achieved in these negotiations, an agreement was made for the return of 339 children allegedly taken from Ukraine following discussions in Istanbul.
- President Erdogan, recognising the importance of comprehensive UN reform for peaceful conflict resolution, announced plans for a leaders' summit in Istanbul if both parties agree, emphasizing the expansion of temporary UN members without veto rights to make the UN Security Council more democratic.
- Turkey's post-war reconstruction support focuses on various sectors, including overcoming humanitarian consequences, developing the defense industry, improving transport and logistics, the energy sector, housing and social infrastructure, strengthening the private sector, and integrating into world trade.
- As a key player in NATO and with strong ties to both Russia and Ukraine, Turkey's leadership, particularly President Erdogan, has been instrumental in managing challenging political events such as the ongoing war-and-conflicts, as seen in the signing of the 'grain deal' and recent positive negotiations.
