US State Department spokesman Ned Price welcomed Turkey’s diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis between Russia and Ukraine.
In a press briefing, Friday, Price touched on the latest developments in the Ukrainian-Russian war.
The United States expressed regret over the escalation of Russian attacks.
Price emphasized that Moscow bears responsibility for the increasing civilian casualties.
Price attributed the failure of the United States to continue to engage in the diplomatic track with Russia directly to the latter’s positions.
He noted that his country’s close partners such as Turkey, France, and Israel are continuing diplomatic efforts.
In response to a question about Turkey’s efforts and its continued dialogue with Moscow and Kiev, the spokesman said: “We welcome these initiatives. Our Turkish allies are in full coordination and consultation with the United States at this stage.”
He indicated that US President Joe Biden had a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following the Antalya talks, as well as US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.
On Thursday, Turkey’s Antalya hosted a tripartite meeting of the foreign ministers of Turkey, Mevlut Cavusoglu, Ukraine’s Dmytro Kuleba, and Russia’s Sergey Lavrov.
Price confirmed his country’s welcome to such meetings, which take place in coordination between Washington and its partners.
He pointed out that there are diplomatic initiatives by France, Israel and Germany, along with Turkey, stressing Washington’s support for such initiatives.
On February 24, Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine , which was followed by angry international reactions and the imposition of “tough” economic and financial sanctions on Moscow.
