Erdogan: Turkey supports sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Ankara supports the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine. He also expressed his readiness to host negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States to resolve the war in Turkey.

Erdogan made this statement at a press conference on February 18 following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In particular, he commented on the words about possible "difficult decisions" regarding the territories of Ukraine, which were made by the Turkish Foreign Minister during the Munich Security Conference.

"We have always supported, and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine has always been important to us. Turkey has declared its respect for the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Territorial integrity is something we cannot give up. Neither is sovereignty. That is why we need peace to be established as soon as possible," Erdogan said.

He added that President Zelenskyy "stands for peace" and openly declares it.

"And in all the talks that I hold personally or through my foreign minister, we declare that we will overcome this journey that leads to peace and achieve it," the Turkish president said.

He also added that the diplomatic process launched by U.S. President Donald Trump to "quickly end the war through negotiations" is an approach that "coincides with the policy that Turkey has been pursuing for the past four years."

According to Erdogan, in fact, the 2022 Istanbul talks "create a foothold as a platform on which the parties have come closer to an agreement."

In addition, Turkey is ready to act as a party hosting peace talks now.

"Taking into account the active diplomatic activities we have been conducting for three years, our country is an ideal host for the talks that are likely to begin between Russia, Ukraine, and America. During the talks with Mr. Zelensky, I stated that Turkey supports the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine," Erdogan said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, on the evening of February 17, Zelenskyy and the first lady arrived in Turkey on an official visit. Among the topics for discussion were the bilateral strategic partnership, strengthening of cooperation, the situation at the front, and security in the Black Sea.

At a press conference with Erdogan on Tuesday, Zelenskyy said that the talks between Russia and the United States resemble the Istanbul talks and are taking place with the same ultimatums from Moscow, but "behind Ukraine's back."

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