Ankara is reportedly considering the deployment of Turkish soldiers to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping mission, according to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter. The Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is said to have discussed the issue with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, during separate meetings in Ankara earlier this month.
The involvement of Turkish units in the peacekeeping mission is considered crucial, as it would help to alleviate the burden on European allies, Bloomberg reported. However, Ankara would not participate in the mission if it is not fully involved in all consultations and preparations, the sources stated. A ceasefire is still far from being guaranteed.
Russia has not provided a response to Turkey’s request for troop deployment in Ukraine, despite the topic being discussed with Lavrov during his recent visit to Ankara, a Russian government official told Bloomberg.
Ukrainian President Zelensky had earlier stated that peace is only possible if Ukraine, the US and all of Europe are represented at the negotiating table, saying that guarantees would be worked out jointly with all parties that can provide them. He also expressed gratitude to Turkish President Erdogan for his understanding of the issue.
Turkish President Erdogan, meanwhile, emphasized the military strength of his country and its potential to enhance European security and reiterated Ankara’s long-standing desire to join the European Union, which he believes would benefit all sides. He also stated that only full Turkish membership in the EU could rescue the organization from its current predicament, covering economic, defense and international reputation aspects.