In the coming months, the situation around Ukraine was described as likely to intensify by İbrahim Kalın, who serves as the Turkish president’s spokesperson. Kalın cautioned that more fighting would mean greater destruction and a longer crisis, a view he expressed on social media. He also noted tensions rising in Ankara, while reaffirming that a ceasefire could help move toward negotiations, prisoner exchanges, and grain exports.
Turkey’s mediation efforts
On the previous day, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan offered Ukraine’s leadership help to mediate the dispute, signaling Ankara’s readiness to play a constructive role. In discussions with Kyiv, Turkey outlined humanitarian and energy assistance for Ukraine and highlighted plans to advance the grain corridor and related humanitarian corridors.
Erdoğan stated that Turkey stands prepared to contribute to a durable peace between Russia and Ukraine and to assist in the ongoing prisoner exchanges. He also indicated Turkey’s willingness to support the creation of a security zone around the Zaporizhzia nuclear power plant as part of its mediation effort.
That same day, Erdoğan spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said that any push for negotiations should be backed by a unilateral ceasefire. He recalled the positive outcomes from earlier dialogue attempts, including the grain corridor agreement, substantial prisoner exchanges, and discussions about a safety zone around the Zaporizhzia plant.
Erdoğan stressed that peace initiatives must be accompanied by a clear halt to fighting and a fair resolution of differences. The comments reflected Ankara’s intent to facilitate dialogue and reduce tensions in the region, as reported by the Turkish news agency Anatolia.
In response, the Kremlin’s press service conveyed that Putin emphasized Russia’s willingness to engage in serious dialogue, provided that Kyiv adheres to well-known demands and considers evolving regional realities. The exchange underscored Moscow’s condition for talks, alongside a call for Kyiv to meet established terms.
With Erdoğan signaling Turkey’s readiness to mediate, the Kremlin indicated openness to dialogue contingent on Kyiv meeting certain conditions. This exchange highlighted the ongoing dynamics between Ankara, Kyiv, and Moscow as all sides weigh paths toward de-escalation and settlement. The situation remained in flux as discussions continued about broader security arrangements, humanitarian corridors, and the future of regional stability.