Under certain conditions, Turkey is ready to deploy peacekeepers to Ukraine – Bloomberg

Turkey, which has one of the most powerful armies in NATO, is ready to consider deploying its peacekeepers in Ukraine under certain conditions. These include participation in the development of appropriate security guarantees and involvement of the country in all consultations.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed this issue with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during separate meetings in early February in Ankara. Bloomberg reports, citing sources familiar with the talks.

Erdogan stated that he supports the participation of European allies in a peacekeeping mission and the provision of security guarantees for Ukraine, while excluding direct US involvement. This makes Turkey's decision to help monitor a possible ceasefire extremely important to ease the burden on European allies such as France and the United Kingdom.

However, Turkey will not participate in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine unless it is involved in all consultations and preparations for such a mission, the sources said. In addition, a truce or ceasefire is far from guaranteed.

Earlier, Erdogan touted Turkey's military power and potential to strengthen Europe's security, saying that the long-standing desire to join the European Union would benefit all parties.

"Only Turkey's full membership in the bloc can save the European Union from the dead end it has reached, from economy to defense, from politics to international reputation," the Turkish leader said.

The publication notes that Erdogan has maintained close ties with Russia since it invaded Ukraine in 2022 and used his opportunities to communicate with the leaders of both countries to play a key role in negotiations on the Black Sea corridor for Ukrainian grain exports, although Russia abandoned the deal in 2023.

At the same time, Russia has not responded to Turkey's request to send troops to Ukraine, although this topic was discussed with Lavrov during his recent visit. The source noted that this issue is not considered an immediate priority.

On February 18, Zelenskyy told reporters in Ankara that peace "is possible only if the negotiations are honest, and Ukraine, America, and the whole of Europe are represented at the negotiating table."

As reported by OBOZ.UA, both France and the United Kingdom have said they are ready to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine as part of a security guarantee package to ensure the stability of the peace agreement, provided that the United States provides support and guarantees for this initiative.

Switzerland could contribute to peacekeeping in Ukraine. According to the commander of the country's armed forces, Thomas Süssli, his country could send about 200 peacekeepers to Ukraine – but under several conditions.

In contrast, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said that his political force does not support the idea of sending Romanian troops to Ukraine. At the same time, he allowed for an increase in defense spending in his country.

US Ambassador to Ukraine in 2006-2009 William Taylor believes that if the partners recognize the need to deploy a military contingent in Ukraine, it should have the necessary permits to defend itself and shoot at Russians in case of a ceasefire violation.

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