Turkiye ready to send troops to Ukraine, source says

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) shake hands as they hold joint press conference following their bilateral and inter-delegation meetings at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkiye on February 18, 2025. [Erçin Ertürk – Anadolu Agency]

Turkiye is prepared to send troops to Ukraine if necessary, Reuters reports.

According to the report, the statement comes as Ankara continues its diplomatic balancing act between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies and Russia, maintaining its strategic position in the conflict.

The report emphasised that any deployment would be contingent on international agreements and Turkiye’s national interests: “Turkiye remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty while advocating for a peaceful resolution.”

While Turkiye has previously provided military aid, including Bayraktar TB2 drones, direct troop deployment would significantly shift its involvement. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has not made any official statement on the matter, but Ankara has reiterated its commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Moscow has yet to respond to the potential move, but any Turkish military involvement could escalate tensions between Ankara and the Kremlin. Experts suggest that Turkiye’s NATO obligations and aspirations to mediate peace could shape its next steps in the conflict.

READ: Israeli media: Israel warns Washington of Turkiye’s role in Syria

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