Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that high-level diplomatic efforts are continuing to end the war in Ukraine. Turkey is working hard to find a way to resolve the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
He spoke in support of the US Alliance, but said that maintaining some independence was not the answer.
In the war that has been going on since February 24, various installations in Ukraine have already been destroyed. More than 20 lakh people have been displaced.
Turkey has wanted to play a mediating role since the start of the war. Ankara has good relations with both Russia and Ukraine.
On Thursday, the 15th day of the war between Russia and Ukraine, the foreign ministers of the two warring countries met in Antalya, Turkey.
Although no decision was reached at the meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlt Cavusoglu described the meeting as an “important start”.
This is the first high-level meeting between the two countries since Russia’s military operation in Ukraine began on February 24. In this war, Turkey is trying to maintain a neutral position.
However, analysts say that Turkey, a member of the Western military alliance NATO, and Russia and Ukraine, which have good relations with the country, have a chance to play a role in bringing the war to an end.
Chairperson of the Kiev-based East European Development Institute in Ukraine. Mridula Ghosh says Turkey has historical ties with Russia and Ukraine. Although a member of NATO, the country is also a close ally of Russia.
“We think that’s why Vladimir Putin wants Turkey to mediate if anyone has to,” he said.
Soon after the war, the West imposed unprecedented sanctions on Russia, leaving Russia and its president isolated.
But on March 7, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke on the phone with Vladimir Putin. He offered a ceasefire in an hour-long phone call. At the same time, however, he expressed support for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Turkish newspapers have since dubbed the Turkish plan a “peace table” or a “hope for peace.”
This is where the news about Turkey’s role in the Russia-Ukraine war comes from.
The report emphasizes that “Turkey maintains relations with both sides”, meaning that the country’s leadership seeks a neutral role.
However, Erdogan expressed interest in mediating the crisis even before Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine.
Dr. Mridula Ghosh says there has been activity on the part of Turkey and Israel, but in the end the foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine met in Turkey.
As a reason, he said, Turkey has the opportunity to bring both countries into the discussion, considering the influence, prestige and capability. And the westerners will not stop it. Because Turkey is a member of NATO and Washington has an alliance with them.
Okan Mudarisgulo, a columnist for Turkey’s pro-government Daily Sabah, wrote on March 3 about Erdogan’s possible mediation, saying that Ankara’s strategy was “active neutrality.”
In other words, Ankara will play a role in resolving the crisis through ceasefire and diplomatic talks.
