ISTANBUL

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday emphasized the importance of a fair and balanced approach to attain peace, as the war between Russia and Ukraine entered its fourth year.

"The path to a just and lasting peace can be opened with an equation where both sides to the war are equally and fairly represented," Erdogan said in a video message to the Crimean Platform Leaders’ Summit, held to mark the third anniversary of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

"Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Türkiye has provided the necessary support to Ukraine’s just cause in line with the fundamental principles of international law.

"Just as we declared our opposition to the war when the conflict began three years ago, we are still determined to make every effort to end the war through negotiations. While doing so, we continue to strongly support Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence."

He also underscored that lasting peace requires the inclusion of all parties involved in the conflict, saying that they have seen an increasing focus on approaches based on diplomacy, dialogue, and negotiations.

"We hope that this process will mark the beginning of ending the conflicts and establishing lasting peace. Next year, it is our shared responsibility to commemorate the anniversary of peace, not of war," the Turkish president said.

Erdogan said that he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ankara last week and discussed Türkiye’s contributions at this critical juncture and his country's desire to host negotiations.

"As Türkiye, we will continue to work with all our strength to establish a just and lasting peace."

"With these thoughts, I sincerely wish that 2025 will be the year when peace is built. I pray that the upcoming Ramadan brings peace, tranquility, and well-being to all of humanity," the president added.