Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that the war in Ukraine could end quickly if Donald Trump’s administration chooses a diplomatic approach. According to Erdogan, Turkey has always supported Ukraine, but sought peace through diplomacy, while the West has largely failed to offer alternatives to the conflict, Reuters reports.
“We can easily end this war if the Trump administration approaches the problem from a solution perspective. More dialogue and diplomacy, rather than weapons and bombs, will open the door to peace,” Erdogan said, adding that the efforts of the US-led West could speed up the end of the conflict.
During the election campaign, Trump said he could bring peace to Ukraine within 24 hours, but did not disclose specific details. In contrast, the administration of current US President Joe Biden has provided Ukraine with significant support, including heavy weapons, financial and security assistance.
Turkey, a NATO member, both supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity and condemns Russia’s actions, but also opposes Western sanctions against Moscow. Erdogan said that Turkey, which has close ties with Russia, continues to call for a negotiated solution to the conflict and is ready to become a mediator again.
The Turkish leader reminded that Turkey has repeatedly organised meetings between the parties to the conflict and can do so again to help end the war.
