Could Israel or Turkey Broker Peace in Ukraine? | DW News

Mar 6, 2022 • Israel appears to be emerging as a diplomatic dark horse. On Saturday, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett became the first world leader to meet with Vladimir Putin since the invasion began. The surprise meeting was followed by talks with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Bennett then travelled on to Germany – the second time this week the two leaders met, after Scholz visited Jerusalem on Wednesday to discuss a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Bennett has offered to act as a mediator, with Israel maintaining good relations with both Russia and Ukraine. Turkey's President Erdogan has held a phone call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. The Turkish leader was expected to urge Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Turkey has close relations with both Moscow and Kyiv but recently moved to limit the passage of Russian warships into the Black Sea. Under the Montreux Convention Ankara can block ships from passing through its straits during wartime but can't prevent them from returning to their home ports.