After Putin talks, Erdogan sees Ukraine peace within reach, eyes Trump call

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has voiced cautious optimism regarding the Ukraine war, stating peace is "not far off" following diplomatic talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to journalists on his return flight from Turkmenistan, Erdogan signaled a desire to engage with US President Donald Trump to assess a potential peace plan, framing Türkiye as a committed mediator.

Assessing Türkiye's role after Putin meeting

Erdogan detailed that his meeting with Putin in Ashgabat focused on ongoing conflicts and diplomatic initiatives, including those launched with Trump's involvement. "We evaluated the contributions our country can make to peace efforts," he said, noting Ankara's position is "clearly understood by all parties." He added that he views positively the dialogue initiated through Trump's efforts and hopes to continue discussions with the American leader soon.

A warning on Black Sea security and regional issues

The president issued a clear warning against escalating tensions in the Black Sea, a critical corridor for regional trade and security. "The Black Sea should not be seen as an arena of rivalry. This would not benefit Russia or Ukraine. Everyone needs freedom of navigation and security," Erdogan stated. On other regional crises, he emphasized the importance of the March 10 agreement for Syria's future and called for Israel to fully comply with its ceasefire commitments in Gaza, asserting "Türkiye never shirks serious responsibilities."

Broader diplomatic context and EU relations

Erdogan's remarks came after his participation in the International Peace and Trust Forum in Ashgabat. He also addressed Türkiye's long-stalled EU accession process, urging the bloc to adopt a strategic vision, suggesting that steps from Europe would shape the next phase of their relationship. His comments underscore Türkiye's multifaceted diplomatic engagement, positioning itself as a proactive actor across Ukraine, the Black Sea, the Middle East, and its ties with Europe.