President Erdoğan: We can be a mediator for peace between Russia and Ukraine
President Erdoğan, in answer to reporters’ questions, said: “We can be a mediator in restoring peace between Russia and Ukraine.”
After performing the Friday prayer in Grand Çamlıca Mosque in Üsküdar, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan paid a visit to the Islamic Civilizations Museum, which is under construction within the mosque.
Before leaving the museum, President Erdoğan answered reporters’ questions.
RUSSIA-UKRAINE TENSION
In answer to a reporter’s question on the Russia-Ukraine tension, President Erdoğan said: “As I have said before, any development in the region between Russia and Ukraine towards invasion, including border violations, or a war breaking out, will bring about a serious violation of regional peace, which will cause serious discomfort in the region. Today, Ukraine has a population of nearly 40 million. The status of Russia is obvious. It has a huge population. It is the largest country in the region in terms of surface area, and is the most powerful state in the region. We as Türkiye do not accept the emergence of such unrest in the region.”
Underscoring that Türkiye’s relations with Russia continued nicely, President Erdoğan said: “Türkiye-Russia relations are in a peace that has not been seen in our history. Türkiye-Russia relations continue to advance in all areas, including politics, military, economy and culture. Also, our relations with Ukraine are very good in political, military, economic and cultural spheres. We cannot accept these positive developments turning into negativity between Russia and Ukraine. Therefore, we can be a mediator for peace, in restoring peace between Russia and Ukraine. We are ready to do our part in this regard. I have told that to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Vladimir Putin. Now, I have an upcoming visit to Ukraine. I may also speak by phone with Mr. Putin or pay a visit to Moscow. We want peace to prevail in the region. We stand ready to do our part to ensure that.
