Turkey’s Offer of Mediation in Ukraine-Russia Conflict Met with RejectionTurkey’s Offer of Mediation in Ukraine-Russia Conflict Met with Rejection Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has expressed his willingness to mediate in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, but his offer has been met with resistance from the Kremlin. During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, Erdogan stated his belief that a “fair peace” beneficial to both sides was achievable. However, Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, swiftly dismissed Erdogan’s proposal, stating that Turkey could not play a role as mediator. This rejection by the Russian government raises questions about Ankara’s ability to bridge the divide between Moscow and Kyiv. Despite being a NATO member, Turkey has maintained a delicate balance in its relations with Russia and Ukraine throughout the war. Erdogan has sought to avoid imposing sanctions on Moscow, while also offering support to Kyiv. Turkey’s efforts to broker a deal allowing grain shipments from Ukrainian ports have been praised, and Erdogan remains committed to facilitating a peaceful resolution. However, the Kremlin’s opposition to his mediation efforts suggests that Ankara may face an uphill battle in its attempts to end the conflict.
ANKARIA: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has told Russian President Vladimir Putin that he can help end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. However, Putin’s spokesman said that Ankara cannot be a mediator in the war.
Erdogan said in a speech to the Russian leader on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana that he was confident that a fair peace that would be beneficial to both sides was possible, the Turkish leader said.
But Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, ruled out a role as a mediator for Erdogan. “No, that is not possible,” Peskov said when a Russian journalist asked him whether President Erdogan could take on such a role, Russian news agency Tass reported. However, Russian media did not explain why the Kremlin was against President Erdogan’s participation.
The Turkish presidency said Erdogan and Putin also discussed the war in the Gaza Strip and ways to end the conflict in Syria. Ankara is a member of NATO, the US-led Western defense alliance.
Unlike other NATO leaders, who have imposed sanctions on Moscow, President Erdogan has tried to maintain good relations with both Moscow and Kiev throughout the war. Turkey played a key role in brokering a deal to ensure that grain could be shipped safely from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports. The agreement remained in effect for a year.
