In his video message to the Fourth Summit of the Crimean Platform on the occasion of the third anniversary of the Russian-Ukrainian War, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that they, as a nation and a country, are in solidarity with the friendly Ukrainian people.
Extending his condolences to the people of Ukraine who lost their lives defending their land over the past three years, President Erdoğan stated, "Türkiye has provided the needed support to Ukraine's just cause in accordance with the fundamental principles of international law since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ending the war through negotiations, as we did when the conflict began three years ago. In doing so, we reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence."
President Erdoğan stated that as the war progressed into its fourth year, it became evident that strategies rooted in diplomacy, dialogue, and negotiations were gaining traction, and added:
"We hope that this process will serve as the catalyst for the resolution of the conflict and the establishment of an enduring peace. As we have contended from the outset, the path to a fair and enduring peace can only be established through an equation that ensures both parties to the conflict are fairly and equally represented.
Last week in Ankara, we engaged in discussions with Mr. Zelenskyy regarding the contributions Türkiye can offer at this crucial moment and its aspiration to host the negotiations. I would like to assert with the utmost sincerity that we all have significant responsibilities to ensure that the anniversary of peace, not war, is marked next year. As Türkiye, we will persist in our efforts to establish a fairer and more peaceful order. With these thoughts, I earnestly wish for 2025 to be a year dedicated to the establishment of peace. I pray to Allah that the upcoming month of Ramadan, which begins in a few days, will promote peace, security, and happiness for all of humanity."