Türkiye open to sending troops to Ukraine after ceasefire
Photo: Turkish military (Getty Images)
Türkiye is ready to send its troops to Ukraine as part of the peacekeeping forces only if a ceasefire is established and the mission and contribution of each country are clearly defined, according to the Turkish Ministry of National Defense.
In response to questions about the deployment of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine and security in the Black Sea, Türkiye is ready to contribute to any constructive initiative aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire in the Russian-Ukrainian war.
"In order for Türkiye to send troops to Ukraine as part of the peacekeeping forces, a ceasefire must first be established, and then the mission and scope of each country's contribution must be clearly defined," the Ministry of Defense says.
Türkiye is leading military planning aimed at supporting security and stability in the Black Sea and ensuring the safety of navigation after a ceasefire is achieved.
"In accordance with the principle of regional responsibility, Türkiye has implemented and will continue to implement the Montreux Convention, which ensures balance in the Black Sea and is of great importance for the security of the region, carefully, responsibly, impartially, and without compromise," the statement says.
Security guarantees for Ukraine
Following the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris on January 6, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and France signed a declaration of intent regarding the possible deployment of forces on Ukrainian territory.
The positions of other states remain varied.
Germany has declared its readiness to join in ensuring a possible ceasefire, but without committing to sending its troops to Ukraine.
Canada is open to sending troops if a peace deal is reached, with Prime Minister Mark Carney saying that Ottawa's initial contribution to security guarantees could be training Ukrainian military personnel.
Belgium has also said it's ready to help bring peace to Ukraine once the war is over.
At the same time, Italy ruled out the possibility of deploying its troops on Ukrainian territory as part of security guarantees.
Romania, for its part, said it would not send troops to Ukraine but was ready to increase its participation in security guarantees by strengthening security in the Black Sea.
Meanwhile, the US has not signed a joint document with Ukraine and the EU on peacekeeping forces.
