By Janet Ekstract
İSTANBUL – The war on Ukraine by Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is in its 11th day with no signs of abating, despite assurances by Russia that lulls in shelling would take place to allow for human corridors so Ukrainians can leave war-torn regions without fearing for their lives. Ukraine’s President Zelensky had high hopes in Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett who he had requested negotiate a ceasefire. Bennett held talks with Putin and Zelensky but those efforts so far have yielded no results.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday that Türkiye and the U.S. will work in “close coordination” toward a diplomatic solution regarding the invasion of Ukraine. This statement came after talks between NATO allies and deputy foreign ministers on Saturday. In a further statement after the talks between Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Önal and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman in Ankara – the Turkish Foreign Ministry commented that allies “confirmed their support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.” The ministry added: “The importance of remaining in close coordination to manage the multifaceted impacts of the crisis and support a diplomatic solution was emphasized.” In addition, bilateral ties were also discussed. Türkiye’s ministry further added: “The common will to deepen bilateral cooperation through a sustainable and institutionalized dialogue was confirmed, and it was highlighted that despite the ongoing disagreements on some issues, Türkiye and the United States have a wide-ranging positive agenda.”
In addition, Ibrahim Kalin, presidential spokesperson to Turkish leader Erdogan, said that he and Sherman met at Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Palace to discuss the war in Ukraine as well as regional issues and bilateral relations. Both Sherman and Kalin underscored how crucial it is to halt all fighting before further destruction occurs. They both agreed that if the war continues that its effects will be even more devastating to the entire European region and the world. The two agreed to increase joint efforts for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine that will ultimately lead to productive results. Kalin emphasized that Türkiye is ready and willing to host negotiations, adding that Turkish officials are in daily contact with both Russia and Ukraine. Sherman and Kalin also discussed creating a joint strategic mechanism between their two countries.
Türkiye has continued diplomatic efforts toward a de-escalation of the war while insisting on maintaining a neutral and balanced stance since Türkiye has good relations with both Russia and Ukraine. Turkish officials have urged restraint for all sides though Türkiye has opposed international sanctions – it closed the Bosphorous and Dardanelles straits under a 1936 pact, which has allowed Türkiye to control Russian warships from crossing that region.
Though Türkiye has made it clear that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is unacceptable and was one of the 141 countries to vote against Russia on the formulation of a resolution in the UN General Assembly – Turkish officials have been careful in their comments since Türkiye and Russia share ties in the tourism, defense, textile and energy sectors. There is the hope that Türkiye will be more successful in its attempts to broker a ceasefire than previous talks that were held in Belarus. On Thursday, delegates from Ukraine and Russia met in Brest, Belarus for a second round of talks that led to no agreements. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov insisted that in any agreement that Ukraine needs to “demilitarize” and promise not to join NATO. Ukraine’s presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak tweeted his statement following Thursday’s meeting: “The second round of negotiations is over. Unfortunately, the results Ukraine needs are not yet achieved.”.
