Erdoğan Supports Ukraine's NATO Bid, Expects Putin's Visit to Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed support for Ukraine's NATO membership and emphasized his enthusiasm for peace talks, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin would visit Turkey next month. Erdoğan highlighted Turkey's efforts in previous diplomatic attempts and its role in a grain export deal with Ukraine. Both leaders hoped to extend the deal and discussed the possibility of longer timeframes. Despite condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Turkey maintains a delicate balance due to its energy dependence on Russia and its role as a route for sanctions avoidance.