Turkey: Ukrainian Peacekeeping Forces Depend On Ceasefire Agreement

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan/PHOTO via Instagram @rterdogan

JAKARTA - Turkey insists a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine must be ensured before Turkey and other countries make decisions regarding the peacekeeping mission as part of security guarantees for Ukraine.

US and European military planners began exploring security guarantees for Ukraine, a day after President Donald Trump said the US would help ensure its security in every deal to end the war.

"First of all, it is necessary to secure a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, then determine the mission framework with a clear mandate, and clarify the extent to which each country will contribute," said a source at the Turkish Ministry of Defense who declined to be named, quoted by Reuters, Thursday, August 21.

Turkey has maintained good relations with Kyiv and Moscow since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Turkey expressed its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and provided military assistance, while opposing sanctions against Russia.

Ankara is also part of a European "willing coalition" that will deploy troops to ensure Ukraine's security.

Turkey "is trying to contribute to all initiatives" that support regional peace and security, the source said.

"However, making an assessment based on predictions that have not been based on concrete matters is not healthy or accurate," he continued.