Ankara calls for urgent Ukraine peace deal, citing NATO security

Türkiye has renewed its call for a prompt resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing that the war continues to have significant implications for the security of both Europe and NATO.

Speaking to Turkish journalists in Brussels on the sidelines of a meeting of NATO defence ministers, Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler said Ankara remains committed to supporting efforts aimed at achieving peace between Ukraine and Russia, Turkish broadcaster NTV reports.

“Türkiye has pursued a balanced, principled, and constructive policy from the very beginning and is among the few NATO countries capable of maintaining dialogue with both Ukraine and Russia. There is a strong determination and ongoing effort on Türkiye's part to establish peace in the region as soon as possible, which would also make an important contribution to the security of NATO and Europe,” Guler said.

The defence minister highlighted Türkiye's unique diplomatic position within the alliance, noting that Ankara has maintained communication channels with both Kyiv and Moscow throughout the conflict while consistently advocating for a negotiated settlement.

Guler also stressed the strategic importance of the Black Sea region, describing its stability as a key component of broader Euro-Atlantic security.

“Stability in the Black Sea is an integral part of Euro-Atlantic security,” he said.

He added that Türkiye continues to contribute to regional stability through the consistent implementation of the Montreux Convention, which regulates maritime traffic through the Turkish Straits. 

“Türkiye continues to contribute to regional stability by consistently implementing the provisions of the Montreux Convention, supports the principle of regional responsibility, and places great importance on cooperation among the Black Sea littoral states,” Guler stated.

By Vafa Guliyeva