Recep Tayyip Erdogan is taking on the role of mediator between Moscow and Kiev in the context of upgrading Turkey’s geo-military role.
The Turkish president will visit Ukraine on Thursday for talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky aimed at de-escalating tensions between Kiev and Russia, a senior Turkish official said Monday.
Ankara has good relations with both Kiev and Moscow, but opposes Russian policy in Syria and Libya and the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Although it has cooperated with Russia on defense and energy issues, Ankara has also sold sophisticated drones to Ukraine, angering Moscow.
“Erdogan will convey messages “to Zelensky for maintaining peace in the region and preventing escalation and conflict,” the official said.
According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to pay a visit to Turkey after the Winter Olympics, which will be held in China from February 4th to 20th.
“We expect both talks to be effective in reducing tensions between Russia and Ukraine,” he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Last week, Erdogan said Russia would be foolish to attack Ukraine, in which case Turkey would do what is necessary as a NATO member.
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