Kremlin says Erdogan cannot be mediator in Russian-Ukrainian conflict

(Patria) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday that Ankara could help end the Ukrainian-Russian war, but Putin's spokesman said Erdogan cannot play the role of mediator, Reuters reported.

Erdogan, speaking with Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kazakhstan, said he believes a fair peace that suits both sides is possible, the Turkish presidency announced.

But Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed any mediator role for the Turkish leader.

„No, it is not possible,“ Peskov said, when asked by a Russian television interviewer whether Erdogan could take on such a role, according to Russian news agency Tass. The news agency report did not explain why the Kremlin opposed Erdogan's involvement.

The Turkish presidency said the two leaders also discussed the war in Gaza and ways to end the conflict in Syria.

Turkey is a member of NATO, the Western military alliance led by the United States. Unlike other NATO leaders, who have imposed sanctions on Putin's government, Erdogan has tried to maintain good relations with both Russia and Ukraine throughout the conflict.

Turkey played a key role in brokering a deal to ensure grain could be safely shipped from Ukrainian Black Sea ports. The agreement remained in effect for one year.