Erdoğan supports Trump's decisive initiatives to end war in Ukraine
Photo: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Türkiye (Getty Images)
Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump on Sunday, March 16. Their conversation included discussions on Russia’s war against Ukraine.
During the call, Erdoğan expressed support for President Trump's "direct and decisive initiative for the termination of the Russia-Ukraine war."
"Türkiye has been endeavoring for a just and lasting peace from the very beginning of the war and will continue to do so," the Turkish leader added.
Beyond Ukraine, the two presidents discussed US-Türkiye relations, the lifting of sanctions on Syria, and Türkiye’s potential return to the F-35 fighter jet program. Erdoğan also emphasized that Ankara expects Washington to take steps in the fight against terrorism while considering Türkiye’s interests.
Erdoğan on ending the war in Ukraine
Earlier, Erdoğan stated that Türkiye wants to see a constructive response from Russia to the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine. He noted that Ukraine’s willingness to agree to a one-month ceasefire with Russia was a positive and important step.
Before that, the Turkish president supported the call by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron for an air and naval truce between Russia and Ukraine.
Erdoğan also stressed that a resolution to the war cannot be reached without the involvement of both Ukraine and Russia. He added that during the three years of full-scale war, Türkiye has sought a solution to the Ukraine crisis without adding fuel to the fire.
Additionally, Bloomberg recently reported that Türkiye could send its troops to Ukraine. However, Ankara will not participate in any peacekeeping mission unless it is involved in all consultations and preparations for its formation.
