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Turkish presidential chief advisor Yalcin Topcu said Türkiye seeks a just and lasting peace based on Ukraine's territorial integrity, speaking in an interview with Ukrinform on Wednesday.
Since mid-May this year, Türkiye has organized and hosted three meetings of negotiating groups from Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul.
From the very beginning of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ankara has maintained a clear position: the war must end at the negotiating table, and the sooner the better for the region and the world. At the same time, Türkiye advocates for sustainable and stable peace based on Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Following the interview, Yalcin Topcu visited the Ukrainian embassy in Türkiye, where he met with Ukrainian Ambassador Nariman Dzhelyalov, expressed condolences to the families of those killed and injured in Kyiv as a result of Russian missile strikes on the night of July 31.
When asked about the possibility of a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia, Topcu outlined the results of three rounds of negotiations in Istanbul.
"After the first round of negotiations, which took place on May 16 in Istanbul, an exchange of 1,000 for 1,000 prisoners of war was quickly carried out. After the second round, which took place on June 2 with Türkiye's mediation, the bodies of 7,060 Ukrainian soldiers were handed over to Ukraine," he said.
"As a result of the third round of negotiations, which took place on July 23 in Istanbul, a decision was made to continue contacts between the countries on achieving peace and cease-fire, and it was agreed to exchange 1,200 prisoners," Topcu added.
He noted that the latest negotiations took place in a positive and constructive atmosphere, and the issue of returning children was also raised.
"We highly value the steps taken in the humanitarian sphere as a result of the negotiations. In addition, as you know, during the third round, the Russian side proposed the creation of working groups on political, humanitarian and military issues. Ukraine, in turn, again called for a meeting of leaders," Topcu explained.
"In any case, instead of continuing the armed conflict, it is much more important to remain at the negotiating table and continue the dialogue. Both countries should under no circumstances leave the platform for dialogue, we need to look for grounds for understanding that will ensure just and lasting peace," he said.
Topcu revealed that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced plans for high-level diplomatic engagement.
"President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday (July 25): 'This week we will hold talks with Putin and Trump to find out if there is an opportunity to bring the leaders (Zelenskyy and Putin) together in Istanbul,'" Topcu quoted.
"If the leaders agree to this meeting, we are ready to do everything possible to hold it under the most ideal conditions for both sides. Türkiye continues to do everything necessary with the highest level of Turkish sincerity to achieve just and lasting peace," he added.
Addressing Türkiye's role as both supporter and mediator, Topcu outlined the country's position on Ukraine's territorial integrity.
"Our country firmly and consistently supports the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of Ukraine, including Crimea, on all international platforms and at the highest level. Crimean Tatars are an important link between the two countries, and Türkiye continues to provide support on all issues concerning them," Topcu stated.
He emphasized Türkiye's peace philosophy: "Türkiye seeks to achieve just and lasting peace that will end the destructive war between Russia and Ukraine for both peoples, the region and the world. We continue to defend this on all international platforms at the highest level, according to the principle: 'Peace has no losers, and war has no winners.'"
Topcu noted Erdogan's unique diplomatic position: "It should be especially noted that President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan was the only leader who could negotiate with both sides in the most difficult periods of the war, and thanks to his close dialogue with other world leaders, it became possible to sign the 'grain deal.' Thus, Türkiye and President Erdogan were again recognized as the party capable of restoring peace, unlike other participants in the process."
Topcu detailed Türkiye's vision for international institutional reform.
"Türkiye, as a country that follows the principle of the founder of the Turkish Republic Ataturk 'Peace at home, peace in the world,' advocates for its implementation both in the region and throughout the world. To stop illegal occupations in the region and the world, it is necessary to make profound changes in international structures as soon as possible," he said.
"President Erdogan's proposal 'the world is bigger than five' must be implemented," he added.
"We are convinced that for the U.N. to become more effective in the peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes, comprehensive reform is necessary. The U.N. Security Council is the main body that has a global mandate to maintain international peace and security. Due to its structure, based on the balance of power after World War II, difficulties in making decisions and their implementation, unfortunately, cannot fully perform this critically important function," he noted.
"Our position on Security Council reform, embodied in the president's thesis 'the world is bigger than five,' draws attention to the injustice, inequality and deadlocks created by the system of permanent membership and the veto mechanism," Topcu said.
"Türkiye advocates for expanding the U.N. Security Council by increasing the number of temporary members who do not have the right of veto. Thus, the structure of the U.N. Security Council would become more democratic and representative," Topcu stated.
Addressing prisoner exchanges and releases, Topcu confirmed ongoing diplomatic efforts.
"It is well known that the President of Türkiye pays special attention to humanitarian issues during each communication, and positive results have been achieved so far. It is expected that the efforts and endeavors of our president will continue in the future," he said.
He cited recent progress: "There is also a statement by Russian presidential advisor (Vladimir) Medinsky after the meeting in Istanbul: 'We checked the names of 339 children who were allegedly taken from Ukraine and started work on their return. If their parents are found, the children will be immediately returned to them."
"This indicates that the 'shuttle diplomacy' that Türkiye conducts on this issue will bring even better results for the peoples of both countries, Allah willing," he noted.
Topcu also outlined Türkiye's reconstruction support framework by stating: "Within the framework of Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, the following areas are priorities: overcoming the humanitarian consequences of the war, development of the defense industry, transport, logistics, the energy sector and distribution networks, construction of housing and social infrastructure, as well as strengthening the private sector and integration into world trade."
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