Russian President Vladimir Putin recently stated in an interview with journalist Olga Skabeeva that Ukraine twice extended negotiation proposals through Turkey, only to later retract them.
Approached Multiple Times
According to Digi24 Putin told the Kremlin-aligned news outlet Tass, the following:
“Our Turkish partners approached us multiple times regarding some initiatives which, they said, came from Ukraine.” He continued, “But when we agreed, it turned out that the Ukrainian side had already declined. This happened twice.”
Putin also expressed uncertainty about Ukraine’s commitment to the negotiation process, adding:
“Ultimately, we need to determine whether they are ready or not, and what exactly they want. This requires time to thoroughly review the proposals brought to us by Turkey.”
A NATO member with Ties to Moscow
Turkey has played a significant diplomatic role in the conflict, balancing its relationships with both Russia and Ukraine.
While Turkey is a NATO member and has voiced support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, it has avoided imposing sanctions on Russia and maintains economic and diplomatic ties with Moscow.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has navigated this delicate balance by mediating critical agreements, including the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed Ukraine to export agricultural goods through the Black Sea despite the ongoing war.
The deal, brokered in 2022, aimed to mitigate the global food crisis but fell apart in 2023 after Russia withdrew its participation. Turkey continues to push for its reinstatement, recognizing the importance of stable food supplies.
Additionally, Turkey has facilitated numerous prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, with one of the most notable exchanges involving Ukrainian Azovstal commanders.
Erdoğan’s position as a mediator has given Turkey a unique role in the conflict, keeping open channels with both Kyiv and Moscow while asserting itself as a neutral peace broker.
