Erdogan could be key go-between with Putin, says Crimean Tatar leader

Türkiye’s experience in mediation and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ability to maintain dialogue with Russian leader Vladimir Putin could make him an effective negotiator – both in peace efforts and in securing the release of Ukrainian detainees.

This was stated by Refat Chubarov, Head of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, in a comment to Ukrinform following his participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and a series of meetings during his visit to Türkiye.

“Very few global politicians can speak to Putin openly and in terms he understands. One of them – perhaps the main one – is Erdoğan. That’s why we asked all our interlocutors to convey our position to the Turkish President,” Chubarov said.

He highlighted Türkiye’s role as a potential mediator in peace negotiations, noting its prior experience in facilitating dialogue.

“It is very positive when Türkiye expresses readiness to mediate and provide a platform for talks on pressing issues,” he added.

Chubarov also drew attention to the critical situation surrounding Ukrainians held by Russia.

“Russia has effectively turned everything related to prisoners of war, civilian hostages, abducted children, and political prisoners in Crimea into a form of trade,” he said.

He stressed that Crimean Tatars make up a disproportionately large share of those imprisoned in Crimea, pointing to targeted repression by Russia.

“We agreed with Turkish officials that within two weeks we will provide an updated dossier on illegally detained individuals,” Chubarov noted.

He also underscored the importance of international platforms for communicating Ukraine’s position on peace terms.

“We want peace. The war is on our land. But the key issue is under what conditions that peace is achieved. If others propose conditions, we also have ours: we will not leave our land, our home,” he said.

According to Chubarov, any lasting settlement must be based on international law.

“A just peace cannot come from the position of someone who has seized territory by force. We are talking about the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter – sovereignty, territorial integrity, and respect,” he emphasized.

Read also: Zelensky holds trilateral talks in Damascus with Syria and Türkiye

As reported, Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Dzhemilev earlier stated that any peace agreements reached under coercion would lack legal validity under international law and fail to ensure lasting peace. He also stressed that decisions regarding Crimea cannot be made without the participation of the Crimean Tatar people.