Turkey, which has the second largest army in NATO after the US, is open to the possibility of providing troops for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, according to sources cited by Bloomberg.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the issue with Ukraine President Volodimir Zelenski and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during separate meetings in Ankara earlier this month, the sources said.

As US President Donald Trump works in a plan with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to achieve a ceasefire in the war that began with Russia’s full -scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, he has stated that he will support the European community and the European leadership. USA.

This makes Turkey’s intention to help oversee a possible truce especially important for the relief of European allies, such as the United Kingdom and France, which draw up plans for a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

Turkey will not participate in any peace mission if it is not included in all consultations and preparations for its formation, sources said. However, a truce is far from being given a given.

Both France and the United Kingdom have stated that they are willing to develop troops in Ukraine as part of a security guarantee package aimed at ensuring the stability of a peace agreement, provided that the United States provides support and support for the initiative.

Russia -Ukraine Relationships

Erdogan has maintained close relations with Russia after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has exploited his ability to talk to both countries, playing a central role in negotiations for a corridor in the Black Sea for Ukrainian Verbs, although 20.

Russia did not respond to Turkey about the possibility of troops to Ukraine, although the issue was discussed with Lavrov during his recent visit, according to a person near the Russian government. The issue is not considered a direct priority, according to the same source.

Zelenski told reporters in Ankara on February 18 that peace is “only when the negotiations are fair and Ukraine, America and all Europe are represented at the negotiating table”.

“The guarantees are shaped with everyone who can really provide them,” he added. “It is fair for Turkey, as part of Europe, to be one of the countries. I am grateful to President Erdogan for his understanding. ”

Turkey supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to a Ukrainian official who knows the talks.

On Monday, Erdogan spoke about Turkey’s military force and its ability to enhance Europe’s security, noting that its long -term pursuit of joining the European Union would be for the benefit of all sides.

“Only Turkey’s complete accession to the EU can save the European Union from the impasse it has come from, from the economy to defense, from politics to its international reputation,” Erdogan said after a cabinet meeting.