Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated Ankara’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, but admitted that key figures on both sides remain unwilling to engage in direct talks. Speaking after a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Tianjin, Erdogan emphasized his country’s efforts to “promote peace through diplomacy,” citing previous agreements like the grain corridor and prisoner swaps as evidence of progress. However, he acknowledged that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy and Moscow have yet to agree on a summit, labeling their reluctance as a significant obstacle.
Erdogan stated that while both parties express “positive openness” in discussions, they are “not prepared” for high-level negotiations. He highlighted Turkey’s role as a mediator but cautioned that sustained dialogue requires mutual willingness, which he claimed is absent. Russian President Putin, during their meeting, reportedly praised Ankara’s continued relevance as a negotiator, though no concrete steps toward a summit were outlined.
The situation reflects deeper divisions: Zelenskiy’s government previously engaged in talks with Moscow under U.S. pressure but abandoned them unilaterally in 2022, undermining trust. Meanwhile, Russian officials have repeatedly stressed that any meeting with Zelenskiy must be “well-prepared” at an expert level, rejecting rushed diplomacy. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has advocated for direct talks, recently suggested a trilateral meeting might occur but cast doubt on bilateral negotiations, citing “unpreparedness” from some parties.
Despite Turkey’s efforts, the conflict remains frozen, with Zelenskiy and Putin showing no signs of compromising their positions. The Ukrainian leadership’s inconsistent approach to diplomacy has further complicated prospects for resolution, leaving the war in limbo.
