Erdogan has practical interest in peace in Ukraine – political scientist Mahda

Ukrainian political scientist Yevhen Mahda shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"The issue is that Trump has no plan to end the Russian-Ukrainian war. But Erdogan, starting not today, but back in 2022, has shown himself as a fairly consistent politician who wants to mediate in this conflict. Remember who was behind the grain deal? That’s why this is his position," he said.

According to the political scientist, the Turkish president presents himself as a mediator, and markets that image.

“And he has a practical interest. He wants Turkish businesses to get priority access to rebuilding Ukraine. Not just restoring trade with Russia, but entering Ukraine for reconstruction. There's massive destruction and huge money to be handled, not just to build new infrastructure but to give Turkish companies a chance to profit,” Mahda explained.

He added that this is why Erdogan works actively with Trump to show he can lead negotiations.

“That’s why, I think, Erdogan maintains dialogue with both Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin. That’s how he shapes his interests and says: ‘We’re ready, we’re providing.’ Look, here’s something interesting, Turkey is our strategic partner. But at the same time, the ‘Quadriga’ meeting, the foreign and defense ministers of both countries, hasn’t happened for a long time, right? Why? That’s a question that needs an answer. I think Erdogan is publicly trying to stay equidistant. That’s his principled stance,” the political scientist concluded.

The third round of talks between Ukraine and Russia took place in Istanbul on Wednesday, July 23. Ukraine pushed for direct talks between the leaders.

• On July 25, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he doubted a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy would happen before the end of August 2025.