Türkiye: Peacekeeper deployment to Ukraine possible only after ceasefire

Türkiye has indicated that sending a Turkish peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine as part of a “coalition of the willing” could be possible, but only once a ceasefire is in place and the specific role of each participating country is clearly defined.

The Turkish Ministry of Defence told reporters that Ankara is prepared to contribute to any constructive initiatives aimed at establishing a lasting ceasefire in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports.

“In this context, our country actively participates in the activities of the ‘coalition of the willing’. The deployment of Turkish troops to Ukraine as part of peacekeeping forces requires first ensuring a ceasefire, followed by the clarification of each country’s mission and the extent of its contribution,” the ministry said.

On January 7, Zelenskyy said that the Russo–Ukrainian war could end in the first half of 2026, citing progress in a U.S.-brokered, EU-backed peace deal.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of Cyprus’ EU Council presidency, Zelenskyy said: “We note that negotiations have hit a new milestone together with our European partners and, of course, the United States and all members of the Coalition of the Willing. We understand that this war could end during your [Cyprus’] presidency.”

He added that sanctions on Russia must continue, stating: “A new [sanctions] package is in the works, and many steps are being taken to strangle Russia’s shadow fleet [of oil tankers], because every dollar Russia loses is a loss for it as an aggressor.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev