Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has once again urged for a "fair and lasting peace" in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, stressing that any resolution must equally represent both parties.

In a video message sent to the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders’ Summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his call for a fair and lasting peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. He emphasized that any resolution must ensure equal and just representation for both parties

Addressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Crimean Tatars, and summit attendees, Erdogan expressed solidarity with Ukraine as the conflict enters its fourth year. “As we mark the third anniversary of the war, I want to reaffirm that Türkiye stands with the friendly people of Ukraine,” he said, extending condolences to those who lost loved ones defending the nation.

Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s rejection of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, aligning the country’s stance with international law. He emphasized Türkiye’s consistent opposition to the war since its onset in 2022, underscoring the nation’s efforts to broker peace through dialogue.

“We declared our stance against war three years ago, and today, we remain determined to end the conflict through negotiations while maintaining our strong support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence,” Erdogan stated.

Highlighting recent diplomatic efforts, he pointed to his discussions with Zelenskyy during the Ukrainian leader’s visit to Ankara, where Türkiye’s potential role as a mediator and host for future talks was explored.

With the war showing no signs of abating, Erdogan noted a growing momentum for diplomatic initiatives. “We hope that this process will mark the beginning of ending the conflict and establishing lasting peace,” he said, advocating for a framework that ensures equitable representation of both Russia and Ukraine.

The summit saw participation from prominent international figures, including U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, Saudi National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban, Russia’s Foreign Policy Advisor Yuri Ushakov, and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Erdogan called on the international community to prioritize peace in 2025. “I sincerely express my hope that next year we will commemorate the anniversary of peace, not war. We all bear a great responsibility to ensure this,” he said, pledging Türkiye’s continued support for a diplomatic resolution.

In closing, he expressed optimism for a peaceful future, extending blessings ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. “I pray for peace, tranquility, and well-being for all humanity,” Erdogan concluded.

Türkiye’s mediation efforts and unwavering support for Ukraine position it as a key player in the ongoing quest for peace in the region. (ILKHA)