Turkey's Erdogan tells NATO chief Ankara seeks to revive Russia-Ukraine talksrevive Russia-Ukraine talks
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Ankara on April 22, 2026, and stated that Turkey is working to restart negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. He aims to bring the leaders of both countries together to end the conflict. This comes amid Turkey's ongoing mediation efforts in the war.
The push highlights Turkey's role as a bridge between NATO allies and Russia, given its unique ties to both sides. Successful talks could ease Europe's largest conflict since World War II and reduce global economic strains from the war. However, progress depends on the willingness of Moscow and Kyiv to engage.
Turkish Perspective
Turkey stands ready to host talks and facilitate steps toward a just peace in the Russia-Ukraine war. President Erdogan emphasizes practical steps like limited ceasefires on energy sites and ports to build momentum. Ankara values its balanced relations with both sides to mediate effectively.
- Turkey controls the Bosphorus Strait, vital for Black Sea access under the 1936 Montreux Convention.
Russia-Ukraine War
Russia and Ukraine are locked in an retaliatory long-range drone and missile war that now strikes deep into both countries, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Crimea, and major Ukrainian cities like Kyiv and Dnipro. Ukrainian forces launched one of their largest drone attacks on June 26, striking 12 Russian regions and hitting key energy targets, while Russia continues massive retaliatory bombardments that kill civilians and destroy infrastructure.
26 June, 09:41 AM
Ukraine unleashes massive drone bombardment on 12 Russian regions24 June, 10:31 AM
Ukrainian drones knock out power in Russian-held Sevastopol22 June, 03:20 PM
Ukraine strikes Russian missile electronics plant in Voronezh
