ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Turkey supports Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations but he also urged for a “return to peace efforts” to end the conflict.
The war has now raged for 500 days since Russia invaded Ukraine last year. “There is no doubt that Ukraine deserves membership of NATO,” Erdogan told a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart in Istanbul early Saturday, adding that the two sides i.e. Russia and Ukraine should go back to peace talks. “A just and equitable peace leaves no room for losers,” stated the Turkish leader, as reported by the media.
Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Erdogan for his unwavering support, particularly in light of the forthcoming pivotal NATO summit scheduled to commence on Tuesday in Vilnius, Lithuania.
In a tweet underscoring the significance of their talks, the Ukrainian leader remarked, “I deeply appreciate the backing we receive for preserving Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty — a formula for peace and safeguarding our nation, people, and interests.”
Zelenskyy has tirelessly advocated for Ukraine’s inclusion in the Western military alliance, asserting that Ukraine now stands as Europe’s final bulwark against Russia’s belligerence. Ahead of the July 11-12 NATO summit, Zelenskyy embarked on a diplomatic journey to the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Bulgaria to rally support for Ukraine’s bid to join the alliance.
During his visit to Prague, he secured a commitment that Ukraine would be admitted to NATO “once the conflict concludes,” and in Sofia, he attained endorsement for membership “as soon as circumstances permit.”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reaffirmed his steadfast belief that Ukraine will ultimately become a full-fledged member of the alliance.
Türkiye 🇺🇦🇹🇷.
Meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan @RTErdogan. Very important negotiations.Security – both in our Black Sea region and Europe in general. I am grateful for the support of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Peace Formula. Protection of our… pic.twitter.com/FfsniYKZ7q
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 7, 2023
Though the Turkish leader reaffirmed his longstanding call for the two sides to enter peace negotiations, Erdogan risked drawing the ire of Putin by delivering unequivocal support for Ukraine’s NATO bid.
Erdogan said Putin will visit Turkey next month and that he and the Russian president would discuss possible prisoner swaps between Russia and Ukraine, which Erdogan has helped to arrange in the past.
Erdogan also said that he would push Putin to extend a last year’s UN-Turkey brokered deal under which Ukraine was able to ship grain to the global market from ports on the Black Sea. The deal is expiring on July 17 unless Russia agrees to its renewal.
