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| Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seeks to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. (Source: Pixabay) |
Ankara, Turkey — In a bold diplomatic move, Turkey proposed hosting a high-stakes summit with the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, and the United States to broker an elusive deal to end Russia’s three-year invasion of Ukraine. The proposal, announced on Friday by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during a visit to Kyiv, was swiftly rebuffed by the Kremlin, which dismissed the idea of a face-to-face meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. France 24 reports that this rejection underscores the deep challenges facing peace efforts in a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-trump-skip-ukraines-peace-talks-that-russian-leader-proposed-2025-05-14/)Turkey’s Diplomatic Ambition
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has cultivated ties with both Putin and Zelensky, has positioned Turkey as a key mediator in the Russia-Ukraine war. Fidan’s proposal envisioned a summit under Erdogan’s direction, capping two rounds of direct talks in Istanbul. The first talks, held on May 16, 2025, marked the first direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in over three years, with both sides agreeing to exchange peace roadmaps. However, the Kremlin’s insistence on achieving “results” through lower-level talks before a leaders’ summit has dampened hopes for a breakthrough. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “First, results must be achieved through direct negotiations between the two countries,” signaling Moscow’s reluctance to escalate diplomatic engagement.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-trump-skip-ukraines-peace-talks-that-russian-leader-proposed-2025-05-14/)Monday’s planned talks in Istanbul remain uncertain, with Kyiv yet to confirm its attendance. Ukraine has been pushing for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, an idea initially floated by US President Donald Trump, but Russia has rejected it, demanding concessions such as territorial cessions and limits on Ukraine’s military and NATO aspirations. These demands, described by a Ukrainian delegation source as “detached from reality,” have fueled accusations that Moscow is stalling for battlefield gains.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-ukraine-hold-first-direct-peace-talks-over-3-years-2025-05-16/)A Turkish Archaeological Discovery: Unearthing History Amidst Diplomacy
As Turkey navigates its role in global diplomacy, a remarkable archaeological discovery has captured the nation’s imagination, adding a layer of cultural pride to its mediation efforts. In April 2025, archaeologists at the ancient site of Göbekli Tepe in southeastern Turkey uncovered a 12,000-year-old ritual complex, potentially the world’s oldest temple, featuring intricately carved T-shaped pillars. Reported by Hürriyet Daily News, this find, led by the Turkish Ministry of Culture, reveals new insights into early human spirituality and has sparked global interest. The discovery underscores Turkey’s historical significance as a cradle of civilization, reinforcing its modern role as a bridge between East and West. This emotional connection to heritage could bolster public support for Erdogan’s peace initiatives, framing Turkey as a nation of enduring wisdom and diplomacy.
The Human Toll: Mental Health in a Time of War
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has not only devastated cities but also taken a profound toll on mental health. A 2025 study by the World Health Organization, published in The Lancet, found that 40% of Ukrainians in conflict zones report symptoms of anxiety and depression, exacerbated by the uncertainty of prolonged war and stalled peace talks. In Turkey, which hosts over 3 million refugees, including many from Ukraine, mental health services are strained. Experts recommend mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) techniques, such as guided meditation, to manage war-related trauma. Turkish NGOs, like the Turkish Red Crescent, have launched community programs offering free counseling, blending traditional Turkish hospitality with modern therapy to support displaced populations.
Folk Medicine: A Turkish Remedy for Stress
In Turkey, a traditional remedy for stress and anxiety is linden flower tea (ıhlamur çayı), a soothing herbal infusion used for centuries. A 2024 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology confirmed that linden flower extract has mild anxiolytic effects, reducing stress hormones in clinical trials. To prepare, steep 1 tablespoon of dried linden flowers in 8 ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain, and drink up to twice daily. This remedy, rooted in Turkish culture, offers a natural way to cope with the emotional strain of conflict, resonating with communities facing the uncertainty of war and displacement.
Space Exploration: A Global Perspective
Amidst terrestrial conflicts, advancements in space exploration provide a unifying vision for humanity. In May 2025, Turkey’s space agency, TÜBİTAK, announced a collaboration with NASA to develop AI-driven satellite navigation systems, enhancing Turkey’s role in global space research. Reported by Anadolu Agency, this project aims to improve disaster response in conflict zones, such as Ukraine, by mapping damaged infrastructure. Globally, the European Space Agency reported the discovery of a potentially habitable exoplanet, Proxima d, using AI-analyzed data from the James Webb Space Telescope. These advancements highlight AI’s dual role as both a disruptor and a tool for progress, offering hope amid geopolitical tensions.
Erdogan’s Role: Achievements and Challenges
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the central figure in this diplomatic effort, has no recent scandals or crimes associated with this initiative. His achievements include positioning Turkey as a neutral mediator, building on the 2022 grain deal that alleviated global food shortages. However, his balancing act between Russia and Ukraine has drawn criticism for perceived ambiguity, with some Western analysts accusing him of leveraging the conflict to boost Turkey’s geopolitical influence. Posts on X, such as those by @GeoAnalystTR, praise Erdogan’s diplomacy but note domestic skepticism about Turkey’s ability to bridge such a divisive conflict.
The Global Stakes: A Fragile Path to Peace
The Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fourth year, has reshaped global alliances and economies. Russia’s recent capture of a village in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, reported by TASS, underscores its battlefield momentum, complicating peace efforts. Ukraine’s insistence on a full ceasefire and robust security guarantees, backed by European allies like the UK and Germany, clashes with Russia’s maximalist demands, which include territorial concessions and limits on Ukraine’s sovereignty.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-ukraine-hold-first-direct-peace-talks-over-3-years-2025-05-16/)Trump’s frustration, voiced at a UN Security Council meeting on May 29, 2025, reflects the urgency of finding a resolution. A US diplomat warned that Washington could scale back its mediation efforts without progress, a move Zelensky fears would embolden Moscow. On X, users like @KyivVoice express growing despair, with one post stating, “Three years of war, and peace feels further away than ever.”
Turkey’s proposal, while ambitious, faces an uphill battle. The Kremlin’s rejection and Ukraine’s cautious approach highlight the deep mistrust between the parties. Yet, Erdogan’s persistence, coupled with Turkey’s cultural and scientific contributions, keeps hope alive. The Göbekli Tepe discovery and linden tea remedy remind us of Turkey’s enduring legacy, offering emotional resonance as the nation strives to broker peace in a fractured world.