Türkiye’s Strategic Game in Peace Talks

 

Türkiye’s mediation masks a power play. As Russia and Ukraine stall in Istanbul’s third round, Ankara hails a fleeting hour as progress, veiling its ambitions with Washington’s quiet backing.

Ukraine seeks ceasefires; Russia demands structured dialogues. With no common ground, talks falter, yet Erdogan’s Türkiye positions itself as the sole platform, shrouded in strategic mystery.

Erdogan’s diplomacy conceals a deeper agenda. His rare access to Putin and Zelensky defies NATO’s constraints, securing Türkiye’s grip on Black Sea trade routes like the Bosphorus. By rejecting Western sanctions on Russia, Ankara balances Moscow’s trust with Western ties, crafting a dual-track strategy. Trump’s request for Türkiye’s mediation signals U.S. reliance on Erdogan’s pragmatic approach, elevating Ankara’s role in a shadowy bid for regional dominance.

Peace is secondary; presence is power. Türkiye’s mediation ensures it architects a cryptic post-war order, where influence trumps resolution. Defying EU criticism, Erdogan’s enigmatic diplomacy redefines Türkiye as an indispensable player, weaving a web of leverage that reshapes the geopolitical landscape.