Türkiye Reaffirms Readiness to Facilitate Peace Between Russia and Ukraine
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye is prepared to contribute to peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated during a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on Monday.
Fidan emphasized that security guarantees remain a crucial issue that Ankara continues to closely monitor. He also underscored the significance of the newly proposed U.S. initiative aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, describing it as a “result-oriented approach.”
Beyond the ongoing war in Ukraine, Fidan noted that Türkiye and Russia hold similar views on addressing separatist movements in Syria.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Russia and the United States are set to engage in full-scale discussions later this week to resolve obstacles affecting their respective diplomatic missions. Lavrov also provided details regarding last week’s Russia-U.S. talks in Saudi Arabia, which he described as an important opportunity to engage in a “normal dialogue” despite ongoing geopolitical contradictions.
Prospects for a Ukrainian Settlement
Addressing the broader prospects of resolving the Ukrainian conflict, Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s willingness to engage in negotiations with Ukraine, European nations, and other interested parties. However, he insisted that hostilities would cease only when an agreement acceptable to Russia is reached.
“We are ready to negotiate with Ukraine, Europe, and any representatives who genuinely seek to achieve peace, but we will only halt combat operations once negotiations produce a firm and sustainable outcome that satisfies the Russian Federation,” Lavrov stated.
He also claimed that Russia had previously declared ceasefires, but these had been used by Ukraine to reinforce its military positions. Furthermore, he alleged that a peace agreement had been reached in Istanbul in April 2022 but was obstructed by former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Western allies seeking to weaken Russia.
Lavrov also stated that Moscow anticipates the appointment of a U.S. representative to engage in negotiations on the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict. He stressed that any future peace agreement must include a provision ensuring Ukraine does not join NATO.
Türkiye Urges Realism on Ukraine’s NATO Membership
In addition to discussions on the conflict, Türkiye called for a pragmatic approach to Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, acknowledging the broader security concerns associated with Kyiv’s bid to join the alliance.
“We have always expressed support for Ukraine’s NATO membership, as reiterated by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. However, we must approach this matter with realism,” Fidan stated in an interview with Bloomberg.
Commenting on whether a potential change in the U.S. administration could alter Washington’s stance on Ukraine’s NATO bid, Fidan remarked, “I am not sure if the previous administration was fully in favor of Ukraine joining NATO. Therefore, I do not see a significant shift in policy.”
Fidan highlighted that discussions on Ukraine’s NATO aspirations are ongoing between Türkiye, European partners, and Ukrainian officials. He stressed that Ukraine’s request for NATO membership is fundamentally driven by the need for security guarantees rather than mere alliance affiliation.
“The primary concern in negotiations is ensuring a security framework that prevents the resurgence of war. Ukraine sees NATO membership as one potential path to securing its future, while alternative security arrangements, such as international coalitions, are also being explored,” he added.
Fidan concluded that security guarantees remain a key focus in ongoing diplomatic engagements, with all parties seeking a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
