Turkey Seeks to Reopen Talks Between Russia and Ukraine

Turkey is trying again to bring the leaders of Russia and Ukraine together for a new round of talks, says the Turkish presidency. The effort comes after Kyiv asked Ankara to host a high‑level meeting with Moscow, a request the Turkish government has been working on since the war began in 2022. President Tayyip Erdogan told NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that Turkey wants the conflict to end peacefully and is pushing for fresh negotiations at the top level. The Turkish president also said that keeping close ties with Western allies is essential. He added that Turkey expects European NATO partners to take a bigger role in protecting transatlantic security. This message was delivered during a separate conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, where Erdogan warned that the U. S. –Iran conflict is starting to weaken Europe and could cause more damage if global powers do not step in with peace‑focused solutions.Erdogan emphasized that Turkey is working to end the Ukraine–Russia war through dialogue, just as it has been doing with Iran. Turkey borders Iran and has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in that conflict as well. The country recently hosted a diplomatic forum with delegations from all sides and remains in close contact with the United States, Iran, and mediators such as Pakistan. Turkey’s approach shows it is trying to balance its relationships with both Russia and Ukraine while also keeping a strong partnership with NATO members. The hope is that renewed talks could lead to a lasting peace in the region.