Ankara: As Trkiye prepares to host renewed peace talks between Ukraine and Russia on Thursday, the focus is once again on Ankara's ongoing efforts to mediate between the two warring nations. The diplomatic initiative gained momentum on Sunday when Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed resuming negotiations in Istanbul, the site of the last direct talks between the delegations in 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed to Moscow's proposal and is awaiting a cease-fire declaration starting Monday, following US President Donald Trump's urging for Ukraine to agree to Putin's proposal.
According to Anadolu Agency, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Putin's support for restarting the peace process during a phone conversation held on Sunday, reaffirming Trkiye's commitment to peace efforts. As preparations for the potential talks intensify, attention is now on Trkiye's role as a key facilitator of diplomatic dialogue in the ongoing conflict.
Following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, Trkiye swiftly acted to help preserve stability in the Black Sea region. Ankara encouraged both Kyiv and Moscow to resolve the conflict through dialogue and expressed its readiness to support any mediation efforts aimed at achieving peace. In March 2022, Trkiye hosted the first high-level contact between the foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, followed by talks in Istanbul where a draft peace agreement was reached, although Ukraine later withdrew.
In July 2022, Trkiye and the UN brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative to unblock exports of grain and fertilizers from Ukrainian ports. This agreement allowed for the safe export of essential goods, preventing a global food crisis. However, in July 2023, Russia suspended its participation, citing unmet obligations by the West on Russia's grain exports and restrictions on logistics and insurance.
Trkiye also played a crucial role in a major prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia in September 2022, facilitating the exchange of 200 prisoners. President Erdogan's diplomatic efforts have included high-profile meetings with both Putin and Zelenskyy, reinforcing Trkiye's position as a key diplomatic actor. Erdogan's visits to both countries and ongoing dialogue with their leaders underline Trkiye's active engagement in mediation efforts.
The potential revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and other diplomatic efforts continue to be on the agenda, with Erdogan expressing confidence in finding resolutions. Discussions on bilateral issues and regional security concerns have taken place in meetings with Putin, while Erdogan has maintained regular communication with Kyiv. Trkiye's readiness to host further talks and support peace initiatives was reaffirmed during recent high-level meetings, emphasizing its potential role in monitoring a newly brokered truce in the Black Sea region.