Russian President Putin plans visit to Türkiye in February

This potential diplomatic development comes amidst ongoing tensions between Russia and the West over the war, with Putin facing international isolation and war crimes accusations.

Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign affairs adviser, confirmed the planned visit, emphasizing that the organization of the trip is underway.

The date for the visit has not been disclosed yet. The war in Ukraine is expected to be a focal point of discussions during the visit, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan likely to participate.

Putin, facing war crimes allegations, has been cautious about international travel but aims to showcase statesmanship ahead of Russia's presidential election in March.

Despite an international arrest warrant, there is no indication that Türkiye would detain him.

The potential visit signifies a thaw in relations between Russia and Turkey, which have maintained somewhat neutral ground in the Ukraine conflict while acting as mediators for prisoner exchanges.

If the visit materializes, it could represent a crucial step towards potential peace talks or at least improved communication between the warring parties.

However, several uncertainties remain. The specific agenda and outcomes of the discussions are unknown, and the potential impact on the wider Ukraine conflict is unclear.

Additionally, the visit could face criticism from NATO members and Ukraine itself, further straining international relations.

Overall, Putin's planned visit to Türkiye is a noteworthy development with significant potential implications for the ongoing war in Ukraine.

While details remain sparse, the event itself marks a tentative step towards diplomatic engagement amid a tense geopolitical landscape. (ILKHA)