Turkish leader excludes quick end to Russia-Ukraine war

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated that he does not foresee a quick resolution to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

President Erdogan made these remarks during a speech following a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, Caliber.Az reports citing the local media.

"The war between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing for two and a half years. There is no indication of a cessation in the near term. Our region is indeed experiencing a difficult period," President Erdogan emphasised.

He also noted that the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh marked another crossing of a red line in the conflict in Gaza.

In July, the Turkish president made a similar statement regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

He emphasised that Türkiye is "doing everything possible" to halt the conflict, which "benefits no one except the sides interested in the war".

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking the beginning of the most significant escalation in the conflict since its start.

One of the conflict's most intense battles occurred in Mariupol, a strategic port city in southeastern Ukraine. The city faced a prolonged siege by Russian forces, leading to severe humanitarian crises and widespread destruction. The Azovstal steel plant, a major defensive position, became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance.

The international community responded with unprecedented sanctions against Russia, targeting its economy, financial system, and key individuals. Many countries, particularly in the West, provided substantial military and economic aid to Ukraine. The European Union and the US imposed sweeping sanctions on Russian energy exports, banking, and other sectors.