Russia is looking to end the Ukraine conflict as soon as possible.

Specifically, in an interview with the American television channel PBS aired earlier this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is expected to last “a long time”. He also argued that Moscow is actually among the parties seeking to end the conflict as soon as possible.

This was the Turkish President's answer when asked about his recent meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and whether Mr. Putin believes that Moscow "is winning that war."

The Turkish leader said the two sides had not discussed who would win the conflict. However, Erdogan asserted that Russia was indeed looking for a quick solution to the hostilities that have erupted since February 2022.

“It is clear that this war will be a long one. And to end it as soon as possible, we will have to hope very much. And Mr. Putin is really on the side of ending the war as soon as possible. That is what has been said, and I believe his statement,” he added.

Mr Erdogan expressed skepticism about the prospect of Russia “withdrawing troops” from Crimea, revealing that he had certain “considerations” with Mr Putin in 2014 on the issue.

Throughout the conflict, top Ukrainian officials have repeatedly pledged to expel Russian forces from all former Ukrainian territories. In addition to Crimea, this includes the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, and the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, which joined Russia after referendums last fall.

Moscow has repeatedly signaled that it considers the issue closed and that the new territory must be recognized.