Turkey’s Erdogan could help end Russia-Ukraine conflict, Trump says

President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated his belief that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could play a pivotal role in ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

“Erdogan can. He’s respected by Russia, Ukraine, I can’t tell you about, but he is respected by Putin and he’s a friend of mine,” Trump told journalists aboard the Air Force One when asked whether leaders, particularly Erdogan, could help in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Erdogan spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week and said diplomatic initiatives need to gain momentum to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Ukraine-Russia war, Erdogan’s office said.

The statement cited Erdogan as saying Turkey will continue to work for peace.