On May 5, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to collaborate with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, following a productive phone call that also covered Syria, Gaza, and other regional issues. The discussion highlights Turkey’s growing role as a mediator. To connect with Turkish culture, we share a recipe for Lahmacun, a traditional Turkish dish.
Trump and Erdogan’s Diplomatic Push
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed enthusiasm for working with Erdogan to end the “ridiculous, but deadly” Russia-Ukraine war, noting Erdogan’s invitation to visit Turkey and plans for a Washington meeting. Erdogan supported Trump’s “decisive and direct initiatives” for peace, with Turkey offering to host talks, as reported by Reuters. Turkey, a NATO member, has mediated since Russia’s 2022 invasion, hosting talks in Istanbul and securing a Black Sea grain deal.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/erdogan-trump-discuss-ukraine-syria-defence-issues-turkey-says-2025-03-16/)[](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/turkey-offers-host-possible-ukraine-russia-talks-2025-02-24/)Trump, who pledged to resolve the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours of his second term, has pushed for a ceasefire, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists on involvement in negotiations to protect sovereignty.
[](https://www.rferl.org/a/erdogan-russian-invasion-unacceptable-ukraine/31728802.html) |
| Source: Video Screenshot |
Syria, Gaza, and Broader Regional Concerns
The leaders discussed stabilizing Syria post-Assad, with Erdogan advocating for eased U.S. sanctions to support normalization and refugee returns, per Al-Monitor. Trump’s upcoming Middle East trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE signals broader engagement. Erdogan also raised concerns about Gaza, where Israel’s aid blockade since March 2025 has worsened conditions for 2.4 million Palestinians, urging uninterrupted humanitarian aid.
[](https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/03/turkeys-erdogan-discusses-russia-ukraine-war-syria-first-official-call-trump)Erdogan thanked Trump for his approach to ending conflicts, including Gaza and Iran negotiations, reflecting their “excellent” rapport from Trump’s first term (2017–2021). However, Turkey’s purchase of Russian S-400 systems in 2019 led to U.S. sanctions and strained ties, which Erdogan hopes to resolve, including rejoining the F-35 program.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/erdogan-trump-discuss-ukraine-syria-defence-issues-turkey-says-2025-03-16/)Turkey’s Strategic Balancing Act
Turkey maintains ties with both Ukraine and Russia, supporting Kyiv’s sovereignty while opposing Western sanctions on Moscow. Erdogan’s offer to mediate aligns with Turkey’s Black Sea influence, having facilitated grain exports and proposed peacekeeping troops. However, Ankara opposes U.S.-Russia bilateral talks excluding regional actors, fearing Russian dominance in the Black Sea. X posts reflect optimism about the Trump-Erdogan partnership, with both leaders emphasizing peace.
[](https://kyivindependent.com/erdogan-tells-trump-that-turkey-supports-us-efforts-to-end-russias-war-against-ukraine/)[](https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/analyses/2025-02-24/turkeys-stance-us-negotiations-russia-no-discussions-ukraine-without)[](https://carnegieendowment.org/europe/strategic-europe/2025/03/turkey-in-a-trump-and-putin-world?lang=en)Turkey’s role could expand if Erdogan secures a White House meeting by late April, as reported by Bloomberg, strengthening U.S.-Turkey ties amid regional crises.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkeys-erdogan-seeks-meeting-with-trump-bloomberg-news-says-2025-03-18/)A Taste of Turkey: Lahmacun Recipe
As Turkey takes center stage in global diplomacy, its culinary heritage offers a delicious connection. Lahmacun, a thin flatbread topped with spiced meat, is a Turkish favorite. Here’s a recipe to enjoy this savory dish.
Traditional Lahmacun Recipe
Ingredients:
- Dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp yeast, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, ¾ cup warm water
- Topping: ½ lb ground lamb or beef, 1 small onion (finely chopped), 1 tomato (finely chopped), 1 green bell pepper (finely chopped), 2 tbsp parsley (chopped), 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp black pepper, salt to taste
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for serving
Instructions:
- Mix yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes. Combine with flour and salt to form a dough. Knead for 5 minutes, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Mix topping ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Divide dough into 4 balls. Roll each into a thin circle (about 10 inches).
- Spread a thin layer of topping over each dough circle. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are crisp.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and parsley, rolled or flat.
Conclusion
Trump and Erdogan’s collaboration to end the Ukraine war, alongside discussions on Syria and Gaza, underscores Turkey’s pivotal role in global diplomacy. As both leaders plan further meetings, their partnership could shape regional stability. Meanwhile, savoring Lahmacun offers a taste of Turkish tradition. Stay updated on this evolving geopolitical story.