Turkey has issued an official statement declaring that any discussions regarding the participation of Turkish troops in an international mission on Ukrainian territory can only take place after a lasting ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine is achieved. A Defense Ministry spokesman made the remarks while commenting on the initiative to create a so-called “confidence force” – a multinational contingent intended to ensure security in Ukraine should political agreements be reached.

According to Turkish officials, holding talks on troop deployment without a clear understanding of the mission’s objectives would be premature. Ankara emphasizes that any participation would require prior agreement on the mission’s legal mandate, its political goals and decision-making mechanisms, the command structure, and each country’s contributio including the size and functions of their contingents.

The Defense Ministry stressed that Turkey will not consider participation in any operation if its parameters remain vague or could lead to a direct confrontation with Russia.

The idea of establishing a new international force emerged after proposals by French President Emmanuel Macron, who argued that European countries should be prepared to send limited contingents to Ukraine to “reinforce confidence” and prevent possible violations of a future agreement.

Paris suggested drawing on the model of multinational missions run by NATO and the EU in the Balkans in the early 2000s. The United Kingdom has already expressed willingness to “consider participation”, while noting that any concrete steps would depend on diplomatic negotiations and Ukraine’s position.

Throughout the conflict, Ankara has maintained a unique mediating role, keeping working channels open with both Kyiv and Moscow. Turkey has repeatedly facilitated humanitarian and grain-export negotiations and continues to position itself as a country capable of contributing to a broader settlement.

Sources in Turkish diplomatic circles say Ankara seeks to avoid any moves that Moscow could interpret as direct military involvement. Turkey has faced serious challenges in its relations with Russia in the past – from tensions in Syria to the 2015 downing of a Russian jet – and therefore prefers to act with extreme caution.

Kyiv welcomes discussions about a potential international presence but stresses that any foreign forces must operate strictly within the framework of Ukrainian sovereignty. Ukrainian officials believe a multinational contingent could play a stabilizing role in areas where the risk of violations remains high. However, they also acknowledge that without a formal ceasefire, the mission cannot be implemented either legally or practically.

Russia’s position remains unchanged: Moscow has officially stated that it considers any international forces on Ukrainian territory “illegitimate” and “unacceptable”. Russian representatives have warned that the presence of foreign troops in the conflict zone could “complicate the negotiation process and increase the risk of escalation”.

This means that without diplomatic concessions from Russia, the initiative may face significant political obstacles.

Experts note that the current discussions are primarily preparatory. Western countries and Turkey are attempting to synchronize their positions in case peace negotiations progress toward a practical phase.

Key questions remain unresolved:

• whether a sustainable ceasefire is achievable;
• whether Russia will agree to any international force;
• who would command such a mission;
• which countries are prepared to contribute troops, and in what numbers.

Turkey’s statement sends an important signal: Ankara is not prepared to act hastily and ties any participation to the broader diplomatic process. In effect, Turkey is setting political conditions that must be met before the deployment of any international force can be discussed. As a result, until Russia and Ukraine agree at least on a ceasefire, the idea of a multinational “confidence force” remains more of a concept than a realistic operational plan.

#RUSSIA

#TURKEY

#UKRAINE

27.11.2025 12:43