Bloomberg: Türkiye demands full consultation before joining Ukraine peacekeeping force

Türkiye, which has the second-largest army in NATO after the US, is open to providing troops for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

The sources, who asked to remain anonymous, revealed to Bloomberg that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reportedly discussed this possibility with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during separate meetings in Ankara earlier this month, Caliber.Az reports.

As US President Donald Trump works on a plan with Russian President Vladimir Putin to secure a ceasefire in the war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, Trump has indicated his support for European allies participating in a peacekeeping force and providing security guarantees for Ukraine, while excluding a direct US role. This makes Türkiye’s consideration to help monitor a potential truce critically important to ease the burden on European allies, including the UK and France, who are developing plans for a European-led force for Ukraine.

However, Türkiye would not participate in any peacekeeping mission unless it is involved in all consultations and preparations related to the formation of the force, the sources added. A ceasefire is also far from assured at this stage.

Both France and the UK have expressed willingness to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a package of security guarantees aimed at ensuring any peace settlement holds, provided the US offers support and backs the initiative.

Erdogan has maintained close ties with Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has used his ability to communicate with both sides to play a pivotal role in negotiations over a Black Sea corridor for Ukrainian grain exports, although Russia abandoned that deal in 2023.

Russia has yet to respond to Türkiye’s suggestion of sending forces to Ukraine, despite the matter being discussed with Lavrov during his recent visit to Ankara, according to a person close to the Russian government. The issue is not considered an immediate priority, the individual added. Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Zelenskyy told reporters in Ankara on February 18 that peace could only be achieved through “fair negotiations, with Ukraine, America, and all of Europe represented at the negotiating table.” He further stated, “Guarantees are developed together with everyone who is really able to provide them. It is fair that Türkiye is such a country, part of Europe. I am grateful to President Erdogan for his understanding.”

Türkiye supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, a Ukrainian official familiar with the talks confirmed, adding that Ankara is committed to supporting reliable peace and security guarantees.

On Fberuary 24, Erdogan spoke about Türkiye’s military strength and its potential to enhance European security, stressing that the country’s long-standing ambition to join the European Union would benefit all parties. “Only Türkiye’s full membership in the bloc can save the European Union from the impasse it has fallen into, from economy to defence, from politics to international reputation,” Erdogan said after a cabinet meeting.

By Tamilla Hasanova