Turkey has historically played a key role as a mediator in the Russia–Ukraine conflict, hosting multiple rounds of peace talks aimed at de-escalating the war.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his country’s willingness to host a Russia–U.S. Summit, following the cancellation of the planned meeting in Budapest.
Speaking to reporters poolside upon returning from a tour of Gulf countries, Erdogan was asked about the prospects for talks between the leaders of Russia and the United States, and the future of Ukraine negotiations organized in Istanbul.
“The importance of Turkey — or Istanbul — in the peaceful vision [for a settlement in Ukraine] has been reaffirmed. We are ready to organize [talks on Ukraine] at any time.
It is a pity that the meeting in Budapest did not take place.
We believe that any form of dialogue will contribute to ending this war. From the beginning, we have supported this, worked on it, and stated that a fair peace is achievable.
We have good relations with both sides and are a country that has earned the trust of both.
This gives us an advantage on the path to peace, and we are determined to use this position for the benefit of humanity,” Erdogan said.
Turkey’s role in the Ukraine conflict
Turkey has historically acted as an essential intermediary in the Russia–Ukraine conflict, hosting several rounds of peace talks to reduce hostilities.
In March 2022, Turkey facilitated the first direct negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian officials in Istanbul. These talks led to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which enabled the safe export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea — a move that helped ease the global food crisis.
Despite that initial success, the broader peace process later stalled over territorial disputes and Russia’s continued military operations.
In 2025, Turkey renewed its mediation efforts by hosting a third round of direct talks in Istanbul. While those discussions did not result in a ceasefire, they marked the first face-to-face engagement between Russia and Ukraine since 2022.
The talks were attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a Russian delegation led by Vladimir Medinsky. Even in the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkey’s role as a neutral mediator was reaffirmed.
Ankara’s diplomatic approach has been defined by a delicate balance — supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty while maintaining pragmatic ties with Moscow.
Turkey has provided military assistance to Ukraine and affirmed its territorial integrity, yet it has refrained from joining Western sanctions against Russia, positioning itself as a potential bridge between the two sides.
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Speaking to reporters poolside upon returning from a tour of Gulf countries, Erdogan was asked about the prospects for talks between the leaders of Russia and the United States, and the future of Ukraine negotiations organized in Istanbul.
“The importance of Turkey — or Istanbul — in the peaceful vision [for a settlement in Ukraine] has been reaffirmed. We are ready to organize [talks on Ukraine] at any time.
It is a pity that the meeting in Budapest did not take place.
We believe that any form of dialogue will contribute to ending this war. From the beginning, we have supported this, worked on it, and stated that a fair peace is achievable.
We have good relations with both sides and are a country that has earned the trust of both.
This gives us an advantage on the path to peace, and we are determined to use this position for the benefit of humanity,” Erdogan said.
Turkey’s role in the Ukraine conflict
Turkey has historically acted as an essential intermediary in the Russia–Ukraine conflict, hosting several rounds of peace talks to reduce hostilities.
In March 2022, Turkey facilitated the first direct negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian officials in Istanbul. These talks led to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which enabled the safe export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea — a move that helped ease the global food crisis.
Despite that initial success, the broader peace process later stalled over territorial disputes and Russia’s continued military operations.
In 2025, Turkey renewed its mediation efforts by hosting a third round of direct talks in Istanbul. While those discussions did not result in a ceasefire, they marked the first face-to-face engagement between Russia and Ukraine since 2022.
The talks were attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a Russian delegation led by Vladimir Medinsky. Even in the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkey’s role as a neutral mediator was reaffirmed.
Ankara’s diplomatic approach has been defined by a delicate balance — supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty while maintaining pragmatic ties with Moscow.
Turkey has provided military assistance to Ukraine and affirmed its territorial integrity, yet it has refrained from joining Western sanctions against Russia, positioning itself as a potential bridge between the two sides.
www.bankingnews.gr
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