Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has positioned Turkiye as the “ideal host” for the next round of negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, highlighting Ankara’s strategic role as a potential mediator in the protracted conflict. Erdogan’s remarks came during a meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on February 18, in which he underscored the importance of powerful nations demonstrating a clear stance in favor of peace.

Speaking alongside Zelensky at a press conference in Ankara, Erdogan reiterated Turkiye’s commitment to diplomatic resolution efforts. Citing the previous Istanbul negotiations in March 2022 and the subsequent grain deal brokered by Ankara, Erdogan emphasized his country’s reliability as an impartial mediator.

“Our country will be an ideal host for possible talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States,” Erdogan stated, as reported by Anadolu news agency. “In order for a just peace to be possible, the countries that we know to be powerful must show their attitude in favor of peace.”

Erdogan’s offer is not unprecedented. Turkiye has played a crucial diplomatic role in past negotiations, including facilitating the Black Sea grain deal in 2022. By presenting itself once again as a neutral ground for talks, Ankara seeks to reinforce its geopolitical relevance, particularly as Western efforts to resolve the conflict have stalled.

Zelensky welcomed Turkiye’s ongoing........

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