Erdogan offers mediation in Russian-Ukrainian war, Putin refuses

(MENAFN) On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended an offer to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, proposing Turkish assistance in resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Speaking during their meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kazakhstan, Erdogan expressed confidence in the possibility of achieving a fair and mutually beneficial peace agreement.

However, Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Putin, promptly dismissed Erdogan's suggestion, asserting that the Turkish leader could not serve as a mediator in the 28-month-old conflict. Peskov's remarks did not elaborate on the Kremlin's reasons for rejecting Erdogan's involvement.

In addition to discussing the Russia-Ukraine situation, Erdogan and Putin also addressed the conflict in Gaza and explored potential pathways to resolve the ongoing crisis in Syria. Erdogan's diplomatic overtures stand in contrast to the stance taken by many Western leaders, who have implemented sanctions against Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine.

Turkey, a member of NATO, has pursued a nuanced approach, seeking to maintain constructive relations with both Russia and Ukraine throughout the protracted conflict. Notably, Turkey previously played a pivotal role in facilitating an agreement that ensured the safe transport of grain from Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea, underscoring its efforts to navigate complex regional dynamics amid global geopolitical tensions.

MENAFN04072024000045015682ID1108407237