Türkiye Open to Deploying Troops for Ukraine Peacekeeping Mission, Bloomberg Reports

Türkiye, which has NATO’s second-largest army after the U.S., is open to deploying troops for a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on February 27, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan raised the possibility in separate meetings earlier this month with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Ankara, the sources said.

With U.S. President Donald Trump working on a ceasefire plan alongside Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Trump indicated he would support European nations taking the lead in a peacekeeping force, while ruling out direct U.S. involvement.

That places Turkey in a critical position, potentially helping to ease the burden on European allies like the UK and France, which are drafting plans for a European-led mission to Ukraine.

According to Bloomberg, Turkey would not participate in any peacekeeping deployment unless it is actively involved in all consultations and planning regarding its formation. However, a ceasefire remains far from certain.

Both France and the UK expressed willingness to send troops to Ukraine as part of a broader security package to ensure a peace settlement holds, but only if the U.S. provides a security backstop and endorses the initiative.

Erdoğan maintained strong ties with both Ukraine and Russia, playing a key role in negotiating the now-defunct Black Sea grain deal.

During Lavrov’s recent visit to Ankara, the peacekeeping proposal was raised, but Moscow did not provide a response, a source close to the Russian government said, adding that the issue is not considered an immediate priority.

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Ukraine Requires a Minimum of 200,000 Peacekeepers to Ensure Security, Says Zelenskyy

Jan 22, 2025 13:06

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy emphasized in Ankara on February 18 that peace is only possible if negotiations are fair and include Ukraine, the U.S., and all of Europe.

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

A Ukrainian official familiar with the discussions confirmed that Turkey supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that Ankara backs peace and security guarantees that are credible and enforceable.

Earlier, Türkiye increased its efforts to assist in the reconstruction of Ukraine, with tenders for several projects scheduled for April and May 2025.