On May 11, Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan referred to the negotiation process regarding the military conflict in Ukraine as a "historical turning point." He expressed this opinion during a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Turkey as a peace mediator
In the official statement of the Turkish leader, the following was noted:
“President Erdoğan emphasized that a significant turning point has been reached in the efforts to end the war between Ukraine and Russia. He stated the necessity of utilizing this opportunity and expressed Turkey's readiness to actively participate in organizing the negotiation process and ensuring sustainable peace.”
This statement is being viewed as a logical continuation of Turkey's diplomatic efforts to achieve peace since the onset of the war.
Conversation with Putin — Istanbul negotiations issue
On the same day, Erdoğan also had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the conversation, Putin's statement regarding his readiness to resume negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul was supported.
“Turkey is also ready to organize negotiations that lead to a solution and yield practical results,” the statement from the Turkish president's office said.
Kremlin confirmed
The Russian side also issued an official statement regarding the conversation between Putin and Erdoğan:
“The Turkish side expressed its readiness to provide comprehensive assistance in organizing and conducting negotiations aimed at achieving sustainable peace,” the Kremlin statement said.
International hope and possibility of a solution
Experts believe that Turkey's neutral and open position for dialogue could create an important diplomatic space for the advancement of potential reconciliation negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Direct meetings in Istanbul could help ensure a security and trust environment.
The Zamin.uz editorial board supports all efforts being made to resolve the military conflict in Ukraine through peaceful means. We believe that Turkey's active mediating role will contribute to regional stability.
