Turkey has signaled its readiness to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a broader peacekeeping mission if required, according to a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Thursday, citing a spokesperson from the Turkish Defense Ministry.
Rear Adm. Zeki Aktürk, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated at a news conference that any contribution to such a mission would be assessed in coordination with relevant parties.
“The issue of contributing to a mission … will be evaluated with all relevant parties if deemed necessary for the establishment of regional stability and peace,” Aktürk said.
His remarks coincided with a high-level meeting in Brussels, where European Union leaders gathered with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to explore ways to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump suspended military aid and intelligence sharing to Kyiv.
France and the United Kingdom have already expressed a willingness to send troops to Ukraine to oversee a potential future ceasefire, though neither country has specified what role their forces would play.
Growing Pressure for European Defense
The debate over military deployments has gained urgency following Trump’s signals that he intends to swiftly end the war through direct negotiations with Moscow. This has sparked concerns in Europe about security vulnerabilities and the need for independent defense measures beyond reliance on U.S. military support.
Turkey’s Balancing Act in the Black Sea
A NATO member, Turkey has carefully navigated its position throughout the war, maintaining strong relations with both Ukraine and Russia. While Ankara has provided drones and military aid to Kyiv, it has also played a diplomatic role, including brokering key grain export deals between the warring nations.
Turkey’s possible involvement in a peacekeeping operation could represent a major geopolitical shift, reinforcing its role as a key power broker in the Black Sea region and beyond. However, Ankara has not yet made any formal commitments regarding troop deployment.
As discussions on security in Ukraine and Europe continue, Turkey’s position will likely be a critical factor in shaping the future stability of the region.
