ISTANBUL — Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan signaled optimism for a Ukraine-Russia peace deal Saturday, announcing plans to brief U.S. President Donald Trump on a potential roadmap following his recent talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Erdogan, returning from a meeting with Putin in Turkmenistan on Friday, told reporters aboard his plane that “peace is not far away.” He expressed hope to “discuss the peace plan with U.S. President Trump as well,” according to a statement from his office detailing their evaluation of “comprehensive peace efforts.” Turkey reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating negotiations to end the grinding war.
During the talks, Erdogan proposed a limited ceasefire targeting energy facilities and ports, arguing it could pave the way for broader de-escalation. “The Black Sea should not be seen as a battleground. Such a situation would only harm Russia and Ukraine,” he said in remarks released Saturday. He stressed the need for “safe navigation” in the vital waterway, which has become a flashpoint amid ongoing hostilities.
The comments came hours after Russia struck two Ukrainian ports on Friday, damaging three Turkish-owned vessels, including one laden with food supplies, Ukrainian officials and a ship owner reported. The attacks followed Moscow’s threats to sever Ukraine’s sea access entirely, heightening tensions over Black Sea shipping lanes.
Erdogan’s diplomatic push underscores Ankara’s longstanding role as a mediator, balancing ties with both Moscow and Kyiv while protecting its economic interests in the region.