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Turkey Trying to Revive Russia-Ukraine Negotiations, Erdogan Tells NATO Chief
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 22, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 22, 2026
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Turkey, balancing ties with both Russia and Ukraine, is actively working to revive high‑level peace talks between them and called on NATO and European allies to step up on transatlantic security, while warning of rising risks from the U.S.‑Iran conflict.
Turkey Seeks to Revive Russia-Ukraine Talks, Erdogan Tells NATO Secretary General
Turkey's Diplomatic Efforts in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Reviving Negotiations Between Russia and Ukraine
ANKARA, April 22 (Reuters) - Turkey is making efforts to revive negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and bring together the leaders of the warring sides, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in a meeting in Ankara, the Turkish presidency said on Wednesday.
Request for Leaders' Level Meeting
Earlier on Wednesday, Kyiv said it had asked Turkey, a NATO member, to host a leaders' level meeting with Russia. Ankara has maintained good ties with both Ukraine and Russia since Moscow's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Erdogan's Statement on Peace Initiatives
"Erdogan said we were engaged, as Turkey, for the Ukraine-Russia war to end with peace, and that we are working to revive negotiations and start talks at leaders' level," the presidency said in a readout of the meeting.
Turkey's Role in Transatlantic and European Security
The Turkish president also told Rutte that maintaining transatlantic ties was "indispensable", but that Ankara expected European NATO allies to take more responsibility for transatlantic security, the presidency said.
Engagement with Other World Leaders
Erdogan later held a call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the presidency said, adding that he told the German leader the U.S.-Iran war was "starting to weaken Europe" and that the damage from the conflict would increase if world powers failed to intervene with "peace-oriented approaches".
Turkey's Broader Peace Efforts
"Erdogan said Turkey was working to end the Ukraine-Russia war through negotiations and reach lasting peace, just as it is trying with regards to Iran," the presidency said in a separate statement.
Diplomacy Forum and Regional Mediation
Turkey shares a border with Iran and has repeatedly called for an end to the war. It hosted a diplomacy forum last weekend attended by delegations from all sides, and is in close contact with the U.S., Iran, and mediators Pakistan.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Alex Richardson and Paul Simao)
Key Takeaways
- •President Erdogan told NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte that Turkey is pushing to restart Russia‑Ukraine negotiations and bring leaders together (news.cgtn.com).
- •Ankara has maintained balanced relations with both Kyiv and Moscow since the invasion and was asked by Ukraine to host a leaders’ meeting (news.cgtn.com).
- •Erdogan emphasized the indispensable role of transatlantic ties but urged European NATO allies to shoulder greater responsibility for collective security (news.cgtn.com).
- •In a separate call with German Chancellor Merz, Erdogan warned that the U.S.‑Iran war is destabilizing Europe and called for peace‑oriented approaches to avoid broader damage (news.cgtn.com).
- •Turkey also hosted a recent diplomacy forum and remains in contact with U.S., Iran, and mediators like Pakistan in its efforts to manage regional conflicts (news.cgtn.com).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey trying to revive Russia-Ukraine negotiations, Erdogan tells NATO chief
1What role is Turkey playing in the Russia-Ukraine negotiations?
Turkey is actively seeking to revive negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and is offering to host leaders’ level talks to promote peace.
2What did President Erdogan discuss with NATO Secretary General Rutte?
Erdogan told Rutte that Turkey is working to revive negotiations between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine and emphasized the importance of transatlantic security.
3Why did Ukraine ask Turkey to host talks with Russia?
Ukraine recognizes Turkey's balanced diplomatic ties with both Russia and Ukraine and hopes Ankara can facilitate leaders’ level meetings.
4How is Turkey involved in broader regional security issues?
Beyond the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Turkey is also engaged in discussions on ending the U.S.-Iran war and hosted a diplomacy forum involving multiple countries.
5What are Turkey’s expectations from European NATO allies?
Turkey expects European NATO allies to assume more responsibility in maintaining transatlantic security and peace.
