Omer Celik, spokesman for Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party, outlined that President Tayyip Erdogan is arranging a dialogue with Russia’s Vladimir Putin before the current grain corridor agreement reaches its expiry. The disclosure comes via reports from Haberturk, signaling a stepped effort to keep the two long-standing regional players in regular contact during a tense period for international food shipments and security talks. Such a meeting, Celik indicated, is anticipated and would reflect Ankara’s preference for direct engagement with Moscow as several critical issues unfold on the alliance and neighborhood stage. Source: Haberturk
According to Celik, there is no expectation of a crisis or sudden rupture in the bilateral relationship, even as both sides navigate a complex set of strategic and economic interests. The Russian and Turkish governments have sustained channels of communication amid ongoing debates around security, energy, and regional alignments, with Ankara attempting to maintain influence while managing its relationships with Western partners. This stance was reiterated as the date for high-level exchanges drew closer, underscoring Turkey’s aim to play a stabilizing role in a regional order that remains highly dynamic. Source: Haberturk
On July 12, Erdogan spoke at a news conference in Vilnius after attending the NATO summit, noting plans to meet Russia’s leader in August to discuss, among other topics, the handling of the transfer of Azov regiment commanders to Ukraine. The organization Azov is blocked in Russia, and the exchange arrangements are a sensitive point for Moscow as well as for Kyiv, shaping how parties view compliance with various prisoner and military transfer agreements. Erdogan’s remarks reflect Ankara’s ongoing involvement in shaping Ukraine-related diplomacy through high-level conversations with Moscow. Source: Haberturk
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky returned to Kyiv with Azov regiment commanders after his discussions in Turkey. The fate of the Azov commanders has remained a central condition in prisoner exchanges with Russia, a factor that continues to weigh on negotiations and perceptions of trust among the involved capitals. Moscow publicly criticized both Kyiv and Ankara for what it described as breaches of the agreed terms, highlighting the fragile balance of cooperation and pressure among the three sides. Source: Haberturk
Prior to Putin’s forthcoming declaration, remarks circulated suggesting that the alignment of interests across Ankara, Kyiv, and Moscow could shift as negotiations proceed. In such a climate, Turkey’s leadership has often stressed the importance of direct dialogue and measured steps to avoid escalation, while maintaining a stance that preserves its own security and diplomatic autonomy. This approach reflects Turkey’s broader strategy of leveraging its geographic position and regional influence to foster stability, secure economic interests, and contribute to international efforts on issues ranging from grain logistics to prisoner exchanges. Source: Haberturk