Turkey offers to mediate between Ukraine and Russia
Published: Friday, Mar 8th 2024, 21:30
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During a visit by President Volodymyr Zelenskyi to Istanbul, Turkey once again offered to mediate in Russia's war against Ukraine. "We are ready to host a peace summit in which Russia also participates," said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday after his meeting with Zelenskyi in Istanbul. He also pledged his country's support for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Turkey also continued to support Ukraine's integration into "Euro-Atlantic institutions".
Selensky, on the other hand, emphasized his peace plan, which includes the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. This is to be discussed internationally at a possible summit in Switzerland - but initially without the participation of Russia, as Selensky emphasized. "We don't see how we can invite people who block, destroy and kill everything." The summit is about a just peace for Ukraine. "Therefore, at the beginning, the civilized countries of the world will work out a detailed plan and achieve a result." Only then would it be possible to include Russian representatives, but only those who are striving for such a just peace.
Speaking to journalists, Selensky described the talks with Erdogan as productive. Among other things, it was about Turkish mediation for the release of Ukrainians imprisoned in Russia. "Today I handed over a list of our citizens, including Crimean Tatars from the Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia," said the Ukrainian president. According to him, they are being held in Russian prisons and camps under inhumane conditions.
Erdogan thanked Selensky for his support for the Crimean Tatars, whom he called an "indispensable part" of Ukraine. Ankara traditionally sees itself as a protective power for the Muslim minority on the Black Sea peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014.
The export of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea was also discussed. "The Ukrainian sea corridor continues to function effectively," emphasized Selensky. Almost 30 million tons of freight have already been transported. Since summer 2023, Ukraine has guaranteed a corridor for the safe passage of ships along its own coastline to the ports of the greater Odessa area. Previously, the Russian fleet had been pushed out of the west of the Black Sea mainly by naval drone attacks. During Zelensky's visit, Ukraine and Turkey concluded an agreement on the electronic exchange of customs information on goods and vehicles.
In Istanbul, Zelensky also visited a shipyard where two warships are being built for the Ukrainian navy. The new flagship of the navy, the corvette "Hetman Iwan Masepa", is to be completed this year. Zelenskyi specified that the second corvette should be named "Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi". According to Selensky, the two countries also reached agreements on future joint armaments projects.
Ukraine has been defending itself against the Russian invasion for over two years with Western help. Turkey served as a venue for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine after the start of the war. Ankara recently renewed its offer to stand ready for peace talks. At the same time, Turkey is also supporting Kiev with arms supplies.
©Keystone/SDA
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