Russia is seeking to end the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible.

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

This was the Turkish president's response when asked about his recent meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and whether Putin believed that Moscow "is winning that war."

The Turkish leader stated that the two sides did not discuss who would win the conflict. However, Erdogan asserted that Russia is genuinely seeking a quick resolution to the hostilities that have erupted since February 2022.

"It's clear that this war will be a long one. And for it to end as soon as possible, we'll have to be very hopeful. Putin is actually on the side of supporting ending the war as quickly as possible. That's something that's been mentioned, and I believe his statements," he added.

Erdogan expressed skepticism about the prospect of Russia "withdrawing" from Crimea, revealing that he had had some "considerations" on the matter with Putin in 2014.

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, the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, which were annexed by Russia following a referendum last fall.

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

Hoang Bach