Türkiye-Russia Strengthen Partnership Amid Ukraine Mediation Efforts

Türkiye continues to play a crucial role in regional peace efforts, notably in mediating the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as emphasized by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz. At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed the strategic importance of their bilateral relationship, highlighting multifaceted cooperation that extends beyond their countries to the broader region. Putin specifically praised Türkiye's mediation in the Ukraine conflict, acknowledging the progress made through three rounds of direct talks held in Istanbul that have addressed humanitarian issues such as prisoner exchanges. Despite these advances, significant challenges remain due to conflicting positions between Russia and Ukraine. Both leaders expressed a commitment to continued collaboration on regional matters including the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus, underscoring Türkiye's role as a reliable and trusted partner in diplomacy and economic projects. The ongoing dialogue between Moscow and Ankara reflects a shared interest in fostering stability and development across Eurasia.