Lavrov announces condition for peace in Ukraine

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held official talks in Ankara as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year. Lavrov met with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to evaluate diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also received Lavrov at the Presidential Complex in Beştepe, where they exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional issues.

As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have gained momentum. Following the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, it was announced that a second round of talks between Russia and Ukraine is being planned in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Following these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Turkey and met with President Erdoğan on February 18. During the meeting between Zelenskyy and Erdoğan, it was noted that Turkey could assume a mediating role.

In a joint press conference with Lavrov, Foreign Minister Fidan stated that Turkey is ready to host peace talks, adding the following:

'The initiative launched by the US, which aims to end the war through negotiations, aligns with our policy. We believe that a solution can be reached through negotiations in which both sides participate.'

Lavrov, for his part, emphasized that Ukraine not becoming a NATO member is a condition for peace. Lavrov stated, 'The effort to admit Ukraine into NATO provoked this war. It is not Russia that started this war.' Lavrov said that the decisions made during the negotiations held in Istanbul in 2022 could serve as a basis for peace.

SYRIA AGENDA ON THE TABLE

The situation in Syria was also discussed during the meeting between Fidan and Lavrov. Turkey once again emphasized its determination to completely clear Syria of terrorist elements. Ankara stated that the YPG, which forms the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), is defined as a terrorist organization and should be integrated into the newly established Syrian national army.

Russia expressed its intention to protect its military bases in Syria and continue its operations. Moscow plans to act in coordination with the new Damascus administration.

There are significant differences between the expectations of the parties regarding the negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. While Russia states that it does not have the withdrawal from the occupied territories on its agenda, Ukraine makes the return of all occupied territories, including Crimea, a condition.

EMPHASIS ON 'UNPLEASANT DECISIONS'

Turkey advocates for the preservation of Ukraine's territorial integrity. Fidan pointed out that it is inevitable that some unpleasant decisions will have to be made under wartime conditions.

It was emphasized that European countries should also be at the table during the negotiations to be held between the US, Russia, and Ukraine. Zelenskyy requested the formation of a peacekeeping force consisting of NATO and European countries.

Russia, however, does not look favorably upon the presence of NATO armed forces in Ukraine. How the diplomatic process will proceed and what formula it will result in remains a subject that the international community is watching with curiosity.

News Source: 12punto