Peace talks in Turkey

[EndlessWire]

I'm not saying this is wrong. Peace talks anywhere would be good, as long as the talks are bilateral and not just a demand for Ukraine to surrender, which so far is all they have been.

But, I have an uneasy feeling about talks held in Turkey, a NATO country. I have read that Turkey is considered a "weak" NATO country in that they have ties with Russia and Turkey in the past was pro Russia.

Turkey controls the Dardanelles and Bosporus Straits which would open up the Aegean Sea (where, incidentally, we have a warship stationed at present) to Russia, if they were allowed passage. The Aegean Sea leads into the Mediterranean Sea. So, the straits are of military and commercial importance.

These straits are under control of Turkey. Previously they were asked to close the straits to Russia. First, they considered it. Then they said they couldn't. Then, they said they denied Russian warships passage. Then, they couldn't...I'm dizzy from this. Then, I read that airplane parts might be procured by Russia from Turkey. These would be for passenger jets.

So, I am wondering what is transpiring between Russia and Turkey. And, why is a NATO country being used for talks? What happened to that arms-length declaration of NATO when considering handing over planes to Ukraine? Is this Ukraine talking to Russia, or NATO talking to Russia?

Don't get me wrong. Any country can offer to host a peace talk. Peace is desirable in the extreme, and anyone who wants to help out is welcome to try, in my book. But, I am uneasy over this. I wouldn't be surprised if Turkey comes out with an announcement that they are opening the straits to Russian warships, which they will claim they can't exclude. This would be bad.

[Wingus Dingus]

1. Turkey plays all sides.

[onecaliberal]

2. Ukraine doesn't need anyone to negotiate for them. Russian is the invader THEY NEED TO LEAVE UKRAINE

[EndlessWire]

3. Well, unfortunately

Russia might need to hide behind a peace agreement as it retreats. Putin needs to hear some truths privately from NATO, such as, We will kick your bloody ass to hell and back, no problem.

I'm not talking about the four demands Russia spewed up recently. I don't think that Ukraine will ever surrender. Never, ever. So, this isn't negotiating, We'll give you such and such if you sign away Crimea. This would be a stark confrontation with some sharp reality talk between the aggressor and the main defenders. Russia really doesn't want NATO getting involved.

Why are we holding talks in a NATO country? It weakens the argument that NATO is at arms length from the conflict. I think those planes should be given to Ukraine. Let the Ukrainians fly the missions themselves, and pay us back later.

[onecaliberal]

4. This is all such bullshit.

I agree with you btw.