Erdogan spoke about the details of a possible compromise between Russia and Ukraine
As part of the deal with Ukraine, Russia could cede territories under its control to Kyiv, but retain Crimea.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated this in an interview with the American television channel PBS, reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
According to Erdogan, Russia is ready for negotiations with Ukraine.
“I met with President Putin and we had very detailed discussions. He's actually showing me that he's ready to end this as soon as possible. I got this impression because the way things are going now is quite problematic...
Regarding this conflict, we must know and undoubtedly know when we talk about mutual agreement. This is what we mean: if a unit is created in Ukraine, of course, the return of the lands that were invaded will become really important. This is what is expected, what is needed.
Mr. Putin has taken steps, we have taken certain steps. The lands that were invaded will be returned to Ukraine,” Erdogan said.
In turn, the presenter asked whether Russia would be “allowed to keep Crimea.”
“It will be humane. We talked about this with my dear friend Putin, and this is what we asked of him. We asked him to return Crimea to its rightful owners. These are our descendants - the people who live there. If you took a step forward, if you could leave us, you would also liberate the Crimean Tatars and Ukraine. This is what we have always said, but since then, unfortunately, not a single step forward has been taken,” Erdogan replied “streamlinedly.”
Erdogan also emphasized that he would not take the side of one of the conflicting parties, retaining his status as a mediator:
“It is wrong to view Putin as a completely different person because he puts the interests of his country first and fights for the interests of his country. Right now, in the battle between these two countries, we are having a comprehensive conversation with Putin.
At the same time, we are having a comprehensive conversation with Zelensky. And at the same time, we are having a comprehensive conversation with Guterres, and Guterres is indeed talking to all parties involved. If we are going to come to a conclusion, we are not going to come to that conclusion by taking sides,” the Turkish leader added.
Erdogan outlined details of a possible compromise between Russia and Ukraine.