Turkey-Ukraine Relations
What role is Turkey offering to play in resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict?
Turkey, through President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has expressed willingness to host peace talks in Ankara aimed at resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict. During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ankara, Erdogan positioned Turkey as an ideal mediator and venue for negotiations. This offer comes at a critical time when Zelensky has voiced frustration over being excluded from U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia. Turkey's geographical position between Europe and Asia, along with its diplomatic relationships with both Ukraine and Russia, makes it strategically positioned to facilitate meaningful peace negotiations in this nearly three-year conflict.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)
WION
01:48 - 02:04
What is President Zelensky's stance on Ukraine's involvement in peace negotiations?
President Zelensky firmly believes that there cannot be any solutions or peace deals if Ukraine is not included in negotiations. He has expressed frustration over Ukraine's exclusion from talks between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, even canceling his planned trip in protest. Zelensky also emphasized Turkey's role as part of Europe and its significance as a potential mediator in resolving the conflict. This aligns with Turkish President Erdogan's offer of Turkey as an ideal venue for future peace talks that would include all key stakeholders, particularly Ukraine itself.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)WION
01:28 - 01:47
What are President Zelensky's concerns regarding peace talks about Ukraine?
President Zelensky expresses frustration over Ukraine's exclusion from peace talks between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that discussions about Ukraine should include Ukrainian representation. He points to a lack of commitment from the U.S. and several European countries regarding NATO membership for Ukraine, which he suggests aligns with Russia's interests. Zelensky also highlights Turkey's important role as a European nation that should be involved in discussions about ending the war. He views Turkey as a suitable host for future peace negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia, underscoring the importance of broader international collaboration in the peace process.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)WION
00:30 - 00:47
What is President Zelensky's stance on Ukraine's role in peace negotiations?
President Zelensky firmly asserts that there cannot be any solutions or peace deal if Ukraine is not included in negotiations. Speaking from Ankara, he emphasizes that Ukraine must be 'put on the table' for any meaningful peace discussions to take place regarding the ongoing conflict. Zelensky also extends this principle to regional involvement, specifically mentioning that Turkey, as part of Europe, should also be included in peace talks. This statement reflects his broader frustration with being excluded from U.S.-Russian discussions in Saudi Arabia and highlights his insistence on Ukraine's central role in determining its own future.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)
WION
01:28 - 01:47
What is Zelensky's criticism regarding NATO membership and how does it relate to Russia?
President Zelensky expresses frustration over what he perceives as a lack of desire from the United States and several European countries to provide Ukraine with NATO membership. He believes this reluctance aligns with Russia's interests, suggesting that Western powers are inadvertently accommodating Russian objectives by withholding NATO membership assurances. Zelensky also emphasizes Turkey's role as a European nation that should be involved in discussions about ending the war, indicating his desire for broader regional involvement in peace negotiations. This criticism comes amid his wider concerns about being excluded from crucial peace talks between US and Russian officials.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)WION
00:30 - 00:47
Why is President Zelensky furious about the US-Russia talks?
President Volodymyr Zelensky is furious about being excluded from talks between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia regarding the war in Ukraine. He has canceled his scheduled trip to Saudi Arabia in protest and is instead visiting Ankara, the Turkish capital, where he criticized these discussions taking place without Ukrainian participation. Zelensky's outrage stems from the principle that Ukraine should be directly involved in any negotiations concerning its own conflict. His actions highlight his stance that peace talks about Ukraine's future cannot and should not proceed without representatives from Ukraine at the table.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)WION
00:07 - 00:29