Ankara, May 14, 2025 — The Europe Today: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated Türkiye’s unwavering support for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing that NATO should not become a party to the ongoing conflict.
President Erdogan made the remarks on Tuesday during a closed-door meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was also present at the high-level talks, which focused on regional and global developments, particularly the Ukraine-Russia war.
Highlighting Türkiye’s commitment to peace, President Erdogan stated that Ankara has intensified its diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the war. He noted that he had held direct talks with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in pursuit of a just and durable resolution.
“Türkiye strongly supports the establishment of a comprehensive ceasefire,” Erdogan said, underlining that the current moment offers a real opportunity for peace. “This opportunity should not be missed,” he urged.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, speaking after the meeting, described Türkiye as a “staunch and capable ally.” In a post on social media platform X, Rutte emphasized the importance of their discussion on Ukraine, calling it “a real window of opportunity for progress towards peace.” He also commended the engagement ahead of the informal NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for May 14–15 in Antalya and the upcoming NATO Summit.
President Erdogan confirmed Türkiye’s readiness to host potential peace talks in Istanbul on May 15, following a proposal by President Putin made during a press conference in Moscow on Sunday.
During the meeting, Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to NATO, announcing that the country would once again assume command of the NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR), reflecting its dedication to alliance responsibilities.
He also called for greater cooperation from NATO allies in combating terrorism. “Türkiye expects full solidarity and support in the fight against terrorism,” he said, vowing that Ankara will continue doing its utmost to contribute to NATO’s strength amid internal and external challenges.
The talks come at a critical juncture for global security, as Türkiye positions itself as a key diplomatic actor advocating for peace and regional stability while reinforcing its role as a vital NATO member.
