Türkiye open to sending peacekeepers to Ukraine amid cease-fire talks: Bloomberg

Türkiye, NATO’s second-largest military power after the United States, is reportedly open to contributing troops for a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, according to sources familiar with recent discussions speaking to Bloomberg.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reportedly raised the issue during separate meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Ankara earlier in February.

The proposal aligns with ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, a plan backed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Türkiye’s potential role in peacekeeping efforts

As European nations, including the U.K. and France, explore a European-led peacekeeping force for Ukraine, Türkiye’s involvement could play a crucial role in easing the burden on its NATO allies.

However, sources speaking to Bloomberg indicate that Türkiye would only participate if fully involved in all consultations and planning related to the mission.

The feasibility of a peacekeeping deployment remains uncertain, with no guarantees of a cease-fire agreement in the near term.

Russia has yet to provide an official response regarding Türkiye’s potential involvement, with a source close to the Russian government stating that the matter is not an immediate priority.

Diplomatic balancing between Russia, Ukraine

Türkiye has maintained a strategic balance in its relations with both Russia and Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Erdogan has positioned Ankara as a key mediator, previously playing a central role in brokering the now-defunct Black Sea grain corridor.

Following his recent meeting with Erdogan, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of Türkiye’s participation in any peace process.

“Guarantees are developed together with everyone who is really able to provide them,” he said. “It is fair that Türkiye is such a country and is part of Europe. I am grateful to President Erdogan for his understanding.”

A Ukrainian official familiar with the talks stated that Türkiye remains committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while supporting security guarantees that ensure long-term stability.

US and European stance on peacekeeping plans

Trump’s administration has indicated that it would support European allies in deploying peacekeepers but has ruled out direct U.S. military involvement.

Both France and the U.K. have expressed willingness to contribute troops, provided the U.S. offers strategic backing.

President Erdogan, in a recent cabinet meeting, highlighted Türkiye’s military strength and its potential to enhance European security.

He also reiterated Ankara’s long-standing ambition to join the European Union, stating that Türkiye’s full membership would “save the European Union from the impasse it has fallen into, from economy to defense, from politics to international reputation.”

Outlook on peace negotiations

As diplomatic efforts continue, Türkiye’s potential role in a peacekeeping mission could depend on the evolving geopolitical landscape and the positions of key stakeholders.

While discussions on a truce remain ongoing, the success of any agreement will hinge on the willingness of all parties to commit to long-term security arrangements.

With Türkiye’s history of mediating between Russia and Ukraine, its involvement in a peacekeeping force could shape future negotiations.

However, the specifics of any mission—including troop commitments, operational frameworks, and command structures—remain undetermined.