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Türkiye awaits details on monitoring role in Moscow-Kyiv energy truce

Türkiye has not yet been consulted as the U.S. proposes a monitoring framework for an energy cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine.

Türkiye has not been officially briefed on monitoring initiative

A diplomatic source in Türkiye confirmed to Russian media outlet RIA Novosti that Ankara has not yet been officially consulted about participating in the U.S.-proposed monitoring mechanism for the "energy truce" between Russia and Ukraine.

The source emphasized that Ankara currently lacks clarity on the operational format, participating countries, and legal parameters of the project.

While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently stated that consultations will include Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and European partners, Turkish officials remain uninformed of any formal outreach or structured plan.

Potential monitoring tools include observers, UAVs and satellites

The Turkish diplomatic source outlined a potential model for monitoring, stating that if agreed upon by all parties, it could include:

Deployment of independent observers to conflict zones
Use of drones (UAVs) and satellite imagery to verify compliance
Field reports and updates from local authorities
A structured reporting system to ensure transparency and accountability

However, the source underscored that these mechanisms require full consent from both Moscow and Kyiv.

Ankara's role may align with regional stability goals

Türkiye, which has positioned itself as a key regional actor and mediator in the Black Sea region, could play a critical role in implementing and maintaining the truce framework.

Ankara has previously facilitated prisoner exchanges and grain export agreements between Russia and Ukraine and may be seen as a neutral party with strategic leverage.

Putin and Trump discuss energy infrastructure cease-fire

On March 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. According to the Kremlin, Trump proposed a 30-day mutual halt to strikes on energy infrastructure in Ukraine.

The proposal was reportedly supported by Putin.

Zelenskyy later announced Ukraine's willingness to back the cease-fire.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban, the Russian president's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

Implementation linked to broader security talks

Previously, the Kremlin published a joint statement following a meeting between Russian and U.S. expert groups in Riyadh. The statement noted that both sides agreed to work toward implementing a Black Sea initiative, which includes:

Ensuring maritime security
Prohibiting the use of commercial vessels for military purposes
Conducting inspections to enforce compliance

However, the agreement is contingent upon several conditions, including the lifting of sanctions on Russia's agricultural bank (Rosselkhozbank).

April 01, 2025 09:45 AM GMT+03:00