Germany Hopes To End Russia’s Invasion Through Diplomacy

Talks between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan concluded on Monday, with Erdogan casting doubt on future weapons sales from Russia.

While speaking in Ankara, Scholz said that Russia was isolating itself from other countries as a result of the war in Ukraine.

Scholz said that both Turkey and Germany have supported Ukraine with weapons and thanked Ankara for closing the Bosphorus — the small strait controlled by Turkey that acts as a passage between the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea — to warships.

Scholz also brought up the “differences” between German and Turkish policy that sometimes put bilateral relations under strain, such as “rule of law, human rights, or the perspectives of German citizens who are either arrested in prison or not allowed to leave homes.”

Erdogan told the press conference, also pointing out the previous meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers that was organized by Ankara that there is a need to accelerate diplomatic efforts and that Turkey will do its best to bring together both parties.

The Turkish president also spoke about the two countries’ economic ties, highlighting the important role played by Germany in Turkey’s tourism sector, a role shared with Russia.

The US sanctioned Turkey in 2020 after the NATO member state purchased S-400 missile defense systems from Russia.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine dominated the talks between the two leaders. Turkey has positioned itself as a mediator in the conflict, as it has maintained relatively friendly relations with both Kyiv and Moscow.