Ankara, 31 March 2022 (TDI): Turkey and France have been actively engaging with the Ukrainian and Russian sides to resolve the prevalent crisis and de-escalate the situation between the two countries.

French President Macron also took the lead to mediate between Moscow and Kyiv in consultation with US and European Allies to de-escalate the conflict.

Turkey has also been actively pursuing a diplomatic solution to end the conflict. From the beginning, its intensified effort included virtual dialogues with Putin.

Along these lines, Turkey also held a High-level Tripartite Summit in Antalya on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, on 10th March attended by Foreign Ministers of Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey.

Since the beginning Turkish stance has been that ‘it was opposed to any decision targeting Ukraine’s sovereignty and condemned the unprovoked attack.

It may be highlighted that Ukraine with its territory across the Black Sea serves as a buffer between Turkey and Russia and Turkey has a major geostrategic interest at risk.

However, because of its dependence on Russian oil and gas, it is walking on a tight rope. President Biden also visited the borders of Poland, as the country hosting two million refugees required economic and humanitarian aid.

Russia reacted by planning joint exercises between Russia and Belarus to prepare 30, 000 troops. After the Head of the Russian army hinted at a shift in their strategy there was a ray of hope for besieged Ukraine city of Mariupol.

It may be highlighted that Russia’s recent announcement on de-escalation resulted from a series of diplomatic efforts by France and Turkey. France stood firmly in solidarity with Ukraine to provide economic and financial support.

On March 25, 2022, Russian Army Chief, Sergey Rudskoy announced that the ‘first phase of the military operation was mostly complete as combat potential of Armed Forces of Ukraine had been considerably reduced.

He further highlighted that presently Moscow’s focus was on their main goal; ‘liberation of Eastern Donbas region.’ Situated in South-Eastern Ukraine, Donbas is a historical, cultural, and economic hub.

Donbas region

It consists of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. It has been an important coal mining area since the 19th century. The Ukrainian-held territory constitutes about two-thirds of the region and the Russian-held territory about one-third.

Moscow insists that Ukraine accepts the loss of Crimea (which it annexed in 2014) in true letter and spirit. In addition, it has put forward the demand for Donbas as an independent state.

Later, President Macron also announced that along with Turkey and Greece it would oversee the humanitarian operation of those wanting to leave Mariupol, after working out details with the Russian President.

Significantly more than 3.6 million people have fled to neighboring countries and half of the Ukrainian children are displaced (UN Child Fund).

The de-escalation of a fierce war between Russia and Ukraine to a more limited war is indeed a first welcome step.

Evidently, the month-long war was proving to be counterproductive with phenomenal losses of soldiers and aggravated human losses and sufferings on both sides.

Ukraine claims that 15,600 Russian soldiers have died in the war. Russia, however, claims that 1,351 Russian soldiers have been killed in the line of duty.