Türkiye Offers Mediation for Peace Between Ukraine and Russia

New York, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye stands ready to facilitate efforts for a just and lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia, including offering mediation, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The closed-door meeting took place at the Turkish House on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, peace initiatives, and other regional and global issues. According to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, Erdogan reiterated Ankara’s belief that the conflict, which began in February 2022, can only be resolved through dialogue while upholding Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye will continue its efforts to achieve peace and revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which had played a key role in easing the global food crisis before its suspension in July 2023. He added that Ankara remains committed to working towards a ceasefire and broader peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

Türkiye has been actively involved in mediation efforts since the start of the war, hosting a landmark meeting between Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers in Antalya in March 2022. That dialogue led to the signing of the Black Sea grain deal, which allowed the safe export of Ukrainian grain, but the agreement was halted after Russia withdrew from the accord earlier this year.

As one of the few countries maintaining open dialogue with both Ukraine and Russia, Türkiye remains prepared to take any necessary steps to support peace efforts in the region.