Does the Kremlin Agree to Turkey Acting as a Mediator Between Ukraine and Russia?

Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss the situation in southeastern Ukraine with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan if the latter raises the issue during their phone conversation, said Dmitry Peskov, press secretary of the Russian President, as reported by "RIA Novosti."

"If this topic is touched upon and raised by the President of the Republic of Turkey, then yes," Peskov told reporters in response to a question about whether the Ukrainian issues are expected to be discussed in the upcoming phone call between the leaders.

Peskov added that if Erdogan uses his influence on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to stabilize the situation in Donbas, it would be welcomed. Earlier, Erdogan stated that Turkey is ready to act as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia, a statement that was welcomed by Zelensky's office.

"It depends on how. If Mr. Erdogan can somehow use his influence, and this influence is absolutely significant from a regional perspective and in many ways even in global affairs, to urge Kyiv to start fulfilling its obligations under the Minsk agreements and the Paris accords, then this too would be welcomed," Peskov said in response to a question about whether Turkey and Erdogan can personally mediate in Russian-Ukrainian relations.