Prof. Dr. Erol: Washington’s Pressure on Ankara Could Produce the Opposite Effect
ANKARA, October 7 – RIA Novosti. The United States expects Türkiye to reconsider its position on the Ukrainian settlement; however, Washington’s pressure could lead to the opposite outcome. This assessment was made by the President of the Ankara Center for Crisis and Political Studies (ANKASAM), Prof. Dr. Mehmet Seyfettin Erol, in an interview with RIA Novosti.
According to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed possible joint steps toward resolving the Ukraine conflict during their meeting at the White House.
Expert Erol emphasized that since the very beginning of the conflict, Türkiye has pursued a multidimensional and balanced foreign policy based on constructive engagement and regional stability.
“From the very first days, Ankara has consistently advocated for ensuring peace and security in its region, especially in its immediate neighborhood. From this standpoint, Türkiye has made a contribution — recognized by both sides and the international community — to the security of the Black Sea and the implementation of the ‘grain corridor,’” Erol stated, adding that these initiatives have once again come to the forefront of the White House agenda.
Erol further noted that during the Erdoğan–Trump meeting at the White House on September 25, the U.S. side acknowledged Ankara’s significant influence in regional affairs.
“Washington apparently expects Türkiye to change its stance. However, Ankara intends to maintain its current course. During the talks, it can be assumed that the Turkish side sent a clear message: either act within the framework defined by Türkiye, or continue without its participation,” the expert explained.
The professor underlined that Ankara’s determination was clearly felt in Washington:
“Trump realizes that under current circumstances, the U.S. can hardly afford to lose Türkiye as a partner. Any attempts at pressure or excessive expectations regarding the Russia–Ukraine issue could backfire,” Erol stated.
According to Erol, U.S. President Trump — who seeks to end the Russia–Ukraine conflict as soon as possible — will eventually have to recognize the importance of the ‘Istanbul Process’ and Türkiye’s constructive, neutral role in it.
“At present, Russia and particularly President (Vladimir) Putin, along with President Erdoğan and therefore Türkiye, are in a phase where they must take steps to strengthen their positions. Hence, the joint initiatives and cooperation between Erdoğan and Putin are becoming increasingly significant,” the professor concluded.
Russia and Ukraine have held three rounds of direct negotiations, all taking place in Istanbul. These talks resulted in prisoner exchanges, and Russia also returned the bodies of deceased Ukrainian soldiers to the Kyiv government. In addition, both sides exchanged draft memorandums regarding a potential settlement.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow remains ready to discuss political aspects of the settlement with Ukraine and to work in any format. However, Kyiv has not yet responded to Russia’s proposal — made during the third round of talks in Istanbul in July — to establish three working groups to address humanitarian, military, and political issues in detail. Moreover, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invitation to visit Moscow for negotiations.
