Turkey has underscored its commitment to fostering lasting peace in Ukraine, signaling a clear preference for diplomacy as the sole route to ending the conflict. In a speech delivered at a special session of the United Nations General Assembly focused on Ukraine, Turkey’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Sedat Önal, emphasized the urgency of sketching the outlines of a sustainable and viable peace plan without delay. The message resonated with the view that a political settlement is not only possible but essential, and that momentum must be sustained to translate diplomacy into a practical framework for peace.
Önal articulated a vision in which diplomacy stands as the central mechanism for resolving the crisis. He argued that the international community should intensify efforts to craft a credible, durable peace blueprint that can endure beyond temporary truces or episodic agreements. The diplomat stressed that time is of the essence, urging all parties to accelerate discussions and to articulate a concrete strategy that can guide negotiations toward a stable, long-lasting settlement. He also highlighted the importance of aligning any peace framework with realistic, achievable goals that can garner broad international backing and ensure security and prosperity for the affected populations.
The Turkish representative pointed to the Black Sea Grain Initiative as evidence that diplomatic channels can yield tangible results. This example, he noted, demonstrates that cooperation and dialogue can unlock practical gains even amid complex geopolitical tensions. Turkey reaffirmed its willingness to engage in all constructive efforts that support this objective and to stand as a facilitator where its role can help bridge gaps between conflicting sides. The emphasis remained steadfast on creating a sustainable path forward that can be maintained by inclusive regional and global partnerships, rather than by force or coercion.
Meanwhile, the General Assembly discussions feature a sharp exchange on how to define a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. In this context, longstanding questions about principles, security guarantees, humanitarian access, and the rights of affected communities were explored in depth. The dialogue reflects a broad recognition that achieving a durable peace requires a balanced approach, where the concerns of all parties are addressed and verified through transparent, accountable mechanisms. The exchanges also signaled a continued commitment from various capitals to pursue a framework that can endure beyond shifting political winds, ensuring that future generations inherit a stable international order. This evolving conversation underscores the central role of collective diplomacy in shaping outcomes that nobody can afford to ignore, and it aligns with Turkey’s stated position that peaceful settlement remains the preferred and most practical course of action for Ukraine and its neighbors. Attribution: TASS