Lavrov plans Turkey visit amid Ukraine war talks

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to visit Türkiye on February 24-25, coinciding with renewed high-level discussions between the U.S. and Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict. Lavrov's visit follows a meeting in Riyadh, which marked the first direct talks since the onset of the war in February 2022, and aims to bolster efforts for peace negotiations. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed Türkiye's willingness to facilitate dialogue between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S., emphasizing Ankara's commitment to supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity. Meanwhile, Lavrov is also planning discussions with the Syrian government next week, highlighting Russia's continued involvement in the region amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The agenda for Lavrov's visit remains unclear, but it reflects the complex interplay of international relations surrounding the Ukraine war and the Syrian conflict. Erdogan's proactive approach positions Türkiye as a crucial mediator in these discussions.