As recently as last month, diplomatic sources suggested that both the Russian and Ukrainian governments were open to Turkey’s involvement in the conflict.
President Erdogan is in Kyiv at the invitation of Ukrainian President Zelensky, as Ankara tries to break a diplomatic standoff between Russia and Ukraine.
On Thursday, Turkish Recep Tayyip Erdogan will arrive in Ukraine, where he will meet with his Ukrainian counterpart as Turkey tries to play mediator in the ongoing crisis.
Erdogan stated before departing Ankara: “We hope to avoid any form of a war between Russia and Ukraine.”
When the High-Level Strategic Council (HLSC) between Turkey and Ukraine convenes again in Kyiv, Erdogan and Zelensky both are expected to take part.
The two countries will discuss regional and international issues and look for ways to strengthen bilateral ties.
They are also expected to sign a historic free trade deal, as well as other accords and memoranda of understanding.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in a statement on Thursday that “our relations with Ukraine have achieved tremendous progress in recent years based on mutual understanding, trust, and shared interests.”
Focus on diplomacy
According to the official statement, “the peace, stability, and prosperity of the territory” are aided by the current strategic partnership between the two countries.
Ankara repeated its opposition to the “illegal invasion of Crimea” and restated its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Turkish Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan discussed the Ukraine crisis ahead of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit.
Officials in both countries discussed their desire to “prevent further Russian aggression against Ukraine,” the White House said in a statement released on Tuesday.
In November, diplomatic sources said that both Russia and Ukraine were receptive to the idea of Ankara’s help in the issue.
Turkiye is a near maritime neighbour of Ukraine and Russia on the Black Sea. It also enjoys good relations with both countries. Erdogan has said previously Turkiye does not want a war between Russia and Ukraine and hopes the issue will be resolved peacefully.
Russia’s deployment of 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border has led the West to believe that Russia is planning an invasion of Ukraine. Russia fiercely denies that claim and states there is widespread anti-Russian sentiment in the world.
Works at The Truth International Magazine. My area of interest includes international relations, peace & conflict studies, qualitative & quantitative research in social sciences, and world politics. Reach@ [email protected]
