Maintain Neutral Stance Regarding War In Ukraine, Turkey Will Only Adopt UN Sanctions Against Russia

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets the Ukrainian and Russian peace talks delegations in Istanbul. (Source: Presidency of The Republic of Turkiye)

JAKARTA - Turkey said that it will maintain a balanced stance and continue its multifaceted initiative, to establish peace, stability, security and justice at this critical time amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Speaking in a live television interview with Turkish broadcaster NTV, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Cavuşoğlu on Thursday said Turkey would adopt any sanctions imposed only by the United Nations against Russia, adding Turkey had acted in accordance with international law, would maintain its balance on the matter.

"Views on Turkey have changed positively. A stronger Turkey will be a much more important actor in the future. We will continue to follow a principled foreign policy. Even critics see the importance of a balanced policy," he said. April.

Reiterating Turkey's call for the United Nations to be reformed, the top diplomat said the ongoing war had symptoms of a new cold war era.

Also underlining Turkey's efforts to host further peace talks between the warring parties, he said the final decision was up to Russian President Vladimir Putin to say "yes."

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt avuşoğlu. (Wikimedia Commons/Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken)

Asked whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Putin would meet in Turkey, Cavuşoğlu said, "Intensive negotiations continue between the two delegations," adding that the meeting was subject to Putin's final decision.

Stating that they would seek to unite the leaders, Cavuşoğlu said, "Negotiations are continuing between our delegations."

He further said that the picture of the events in Bucha had overshadowed the peace process. According to him, the longer the war lasts, the more difficult the solution will be, although despite all possibilities, there is the possibility of a ceasefire.

"The inhumane image of regions like Bucha and Irpin, which we also condemn, changes the atmosphere. This creates a negative atmosphere on the Ukrainian side. There are different statements from the Russian Federation on this, but in the end, this has a negative impact on the negotiation process," he explained. .

Turkey is one of the most active countries in trying to ensure a permanent ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, taking on the role of mediator by keeping the channels of communication with the two warring parties open.

With its unique position on friendly relations with Russia and Ukraine, Turkey has won widespread praise for its push to end the war.