Photo: EPA
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that he will continue diplomatic efforts to help Ukraine and Russia establish direct dialogue.
During an online “Coalition of the Willing” meeting, participants from 35 countries discussed next steps needed to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine. According to Turkish state broadcaster TRT Haber, Turkish officials suggested that a temporary halt to attacks—focusing primarily on energy and port infrastructure—could create more favorable conditions for further dialogue between Ukraine and Russia.
Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey will keep working diplomatically to facilitate direct talks between the parties and promote a just and sustainable peace as quickly as possible. “Our president noted that direct negotiations could take place in Istanbul. Ankara maintains contact with both the Ukrainian and Russian sides to support this process,” said Communications Director Burhanettin Duran.
Present at the meeting alongside Erdoğan were Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Communications Director Duran, Chief Advisor on Foreign Policy and Security Akif Çağatay Kılıç, Deputy Head of the Presidential Council on Security and Foreign Policy Çağrı Erhan, and Deputy Chair and spokesperson of the Justice and Development Party Ömer Çelik.
This is not Turkey’s first attempt to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a similar agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure continued. Later, a “maritime truce” was discussed, aiming to fully suspend attacks on port infrastructure, but it also proved unsuccessful.
In November, Trump introduced a so-called peace plan to resolve the war in Ukraine. The plan consisted of 28 points, effectively demanding Ukraine’s full capitulation. Reports indicated that Trump initially tried to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to sign the unfavorable plan by November 27. However, on the eve of that date, the U.S. leader claimed he had not set any firm deadlines.
