According to Turkey, the West should persuade Ukraine to negotiate with Russia. However, they would then be more difficult than in March, as Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu conceded. Unfortunately, some Western countries are not interested in a solution to the Ukraine crisis, he noted critically. The Turkish politician’s statements were made at the “Mediterranean Dialogues” conference in Rome.
“Some of our allies who support the continuation of the war need to be persuaded to bring Ukraine to the negotiating table [mit Russland] bring,” he said. Negotiations would be difficult. “Russia will present its terms, which Ukraine will reject, but Turkey will continue its efforts to find a solution.” Diplomacy is the only way to end the conflict in Ukraine.
“We are pursuing a pragmatic approach that leads to concrete results,” said Cavusoglu, recalling the conclusion and extension of the grain agreement with Turkey and the exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine.
Cavusoglu criticized the EU. They failed to negotiate with Turkey about Ukraine. Mevlut Cavusoglu noted that although Turkey has tried to resolve the crisis through diplomatic channels, the EU has not consulted Ankara on the situation in Ukraine. “The European Union has not even consulted with Ankara on the Ukraine issue.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan struck a similar note in a phone call to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Restoring the basis for negotiations as soon as possible serves the interests of all parties, explained the Turkish President. He urged Sunak to resume efforts soon to organize talks between Russia and Ukraine.
