Erdogan optimistic after meeting with Putin: 'Peace is not far'

(Patria) - After meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkmenistan, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed optimism that has rarely been heard lately. "Peace is not far," was announced this morning from the office of the Turkish president, along with the announcement that Erdogan plans to discuss the peace plan for Ukraine with the newly elected US President Donald Trump.

The two leaders met in Ashgabat on the sidelines of the International Forum. Although the talks began with the presence of delegations, Erdogan and Putin soon withdrew for a 90-minute "one-on-one" meeting.

During this confidential conversation, Erdogan confirmed that Turkey remains ready to host peace talks in any format, positioning Ankara as a key mediator between the West and Moscow.

In addition to Ukraine, the leaders also discussed the West's economic war against Russia. The Kremlin announced that Putin and Erdogan agreed on one key point: European attempts to seize frozen Russian assets would lead to the collapse of the foundations of the international financial system.

This stance by Turkey, a NATO member, is particularly interesting as it shows Erdogan's balanced approach – maintaining ties with Moscow while simultaneously sending messages to Washington. Erdogan hopes that Donald Trump's return to the White House could accelerate a diplomatic solution to the conflict.