Türkiye Willing to Provide Security Guarantees for Ukraine

Türkiye is open to providing security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a final deal with Russia to end the war, the Turkish foreign minister said on Monday, February 24.

The statement was made during a press briefing with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, Orda reports, citing Middle East Eye.

Hakan Fidan said that Türkiye is ready to take any step that could contribute to peace as the Russia-Ukraine war marks its third year this week.

However, he added that Ankara needs to see how the talks evolve before making a final commitment.

Fidan also revealed that Ankara supports US President Donald Trump's new peace initiative to hold direct talks with the Russian leadership, which excluded Ukraine during the first round last week in Riyadh.

The Turkish foreign minister said Ankara views the American initiative as having a "result-oriented" approach and believes that a solution can only be reached through negotiations in which both sides participate.

Last week, Turkish President Erdoğan declared support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ankara.

Erdoğan stated that Türkiye would be an ideal host for potential peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, offering "all possible support" for negotiations leading to lasting peace.

In order for a just peace to be possible, the countries that we know to be powerful must show their attitude in favor of peace, Erdoğan said.

He added that Turkish companies stand ready to help rebuild Ukraine once hostilities end.