Turkey’s mediatory endeavours: Facilitating dialogue in the Russia-Ukraine conflict

Wysiłki mediacyjne Turcji: pośredniczenie w konflikcie Rosji z Ukrainą

Jakub Wódka

ORCID: Jakub Wódka: 0000-0003-3926-0814

Pages: 139-154

Edition: Lublin 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36874/RIESW.2023.1.10

Citation method: J. Wódka, Turkey’s mediatory endeavours: Facilitating dialogue in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, „Rocznik Instytutu Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej” 21 (2023), z. 1, s. 155-169, DOI: https://doi.org/10.36874/RIESW.2023.1.10

Abstract: The article explores Turkey’s ambitions to assume a proactive role as a mediator in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Positioned as a middle power striving to enhance its global standing, Turkey has dedicated itself to striking a delicate balance between Russia and Ukraine in its foreign policy. This is exemplified by Ankara’s engagement in an ambiguous cooperative rivalry with Russia while strengthening its partnership with Ukraine, including military cooperation in the Black Sea Region. Given these circumstances, Turkey sees itself as naturally inclined to act as a facilitator in brokering a ceasefire and bringing about peace between the two conflicting parties. Some successes have already been achieved, with the grain initiative being a primary example thereof.

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