Turkey has declared it ready to supervise a possible armistice in Ukraine, if it is established, according to a source of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Photo: Facebook
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has announced that Turkey is ready to take responsibility for monitoring a possible cessation of fire in Ukraine. The statement was made on Saturday, during a meeting organized in Kiev with the leaders of the “Coalition of will”, according to a source of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, quoted by Reuters.
“Fidan expressed Ankara's support for unconditional cessation efforts and added that Turkey is ready to assume the obligation to cease fire in Ukraine, if it is established”, The source said, subject to anonymity.
The coalition of the will requires a 30 -day armistice
The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Poland and Ukraine met in Kiev, and other members of the will coalition participated online. The group, supported by US President Donald Trump, has agreed on an unconditional cessation of fire for 30 days, starting May 12.
At the same time, the coalition warned Russian President Vladimir Putin with “massive sanctions ” if he refuses to accept this temporary peace agreement.
Turkish balance policy in conflict
Turkey, a member of NATO, has so far managed to maintain diplomatic and commercial relations with both camps, Ukraine and Russia. Ankara offered military support to Ukraine and publicly supported its territorial integrity, but opposed the imposition of economic sanctions against Moscow.
In March, the Turkish Minister of Defense stated that Turkey could contribute to a possible peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, if a fire cease is reached. Last month, military officials from Ukraine, UK, France and Turkey met in Turkey to discuss security measures in the Black Sea region, in the context of a possible armistice.
Putin proposes negotiations but avoids mentioning an armistice
During the night, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a proposal to Ukraine on the beginning of “direct negotiations ” On May 15, in Istanbul. However, he made no reference to a cessation of fire. Putin also said he was going to discuss on this topic with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski reacted to Putin's proposal and transmitted to be a “positive sign ”. The Kiev leader added that he is “prepared“For discussions, but stressed that”Russia must confirm a complete, sustainable and reliable fire cessation starting Monday”.
