“Russia’s decision to significantly reduce its military operations in Kyiv and Chernihiv is indeed an important step. Likewise, the statements of the heads of state that they can come together when an agreement is reached show how important this step is. We expect them to be implemented and for the war to end before it causes more death and destruction.”
Expressing his happiness over Turkey being host to such an important meeting thanks to its active diplomacy and balanced approach, Erdoğan said: “I am determined to hold talks with both Mr. (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and Mr. (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelenskyy as soon as I return. In these meetings, we will express my thanks to both of them on behalf of myself and my nation and say, ‘Our goal is to bring you together as soon as possible.’ I hope that we will get a historical record from them at the point of putting them together. In this context, we are ready to host the meeting to be held at the level of heads of state. But in the meantime, it is of great importance to ensure a temporary cease-fire.”
“I think that peace is the most important solution and way out. From this point of view, I hope we can be instrumental in bringing this work to an end as soon as possible. As Turkey, it will make us happy to have completed this work with the confidence of both Mr. Putin and Mr. Zelenskyy in such a process,” he said.
Touching upon the negotiations between the two warring sides, Erdoğan said that Ukraine does not insist on joining NATO.
“In fact, I do not think that Ukraine will be too insistent on the European Union issue. Because, in this process, the member states of the European Union, with the exception of some, were not serious about this. Despite all of this, I learned and heard about Mr. Putin’s positive view on Ukraine’s entry into the European Union. Of course, we will learn the final situation during these meetings. Hearing this from him during my meeting with him will give us the opportunity to more accurately evaluate the steps to be taken in this regard.”
Regarding Turkey’s possible guarantor role, Erdoğan said that Turkey can be one of the guarantor countries for Ukraine’s security, we look at this positively in principle, but of course the details of this need to be clarified.
Underlining that the international community appreciates Turkey’s efforts aiming for peace based on a principled and balanced policy, Erdoğan reiterated that Turkey will not join sanctions against Russia.
“While expressing our reaction to Russia’s military activities, we also attach importance to maintaining our dialogue. This dialogue is important and necessary not only in the context of Ukraine but also in many geographies that are closely related to us, such as Syria, Libya and the South Caucasus.”
Regarding Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich’s participation in the peace talks in Istanbul, he said: “Abramovich participated in the negotiations as a member of the Russian delegation … If Russia and Mr. Putin preferred to include Abramovich in their delegation, it means that he believed and trusted him. We greeted him as well as everyone else at that meeting. I wish success to all the members of the delegation who participated in these studies. I hope that we will see the results of this effort as soon as possible.”
Source:dailysabah.com