Defense Minister Hulusi Akar discussed the necessity to establish a cease-fire in Ukraine with his Ukrainian counterpart Oleksii Reznikov in a phone call on Sunday, the ministry said.

Akar exchanged views on establishing stability and humanitarian assistance amid Russia’s invasion.

The ministers highlighted the urgent need for a cease-fire to carry out the safe evacuation of civilians and improve the humanitarian situation.

Akar also conveyed Turkey’s expectation about ensuring the security of Turkish nationals who are still being evacuated from the country.

He also noted that Turkey is ready to do whatever is possible to deliver humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and facilitate peace and stability in the country.

Maintaining its neutral and balanced stance, Turkey continues its diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the Ukraine conflict, urging all sides to exercise restraint. While Ankara has opposed international sanctions designed to isolate Moscow, it also closed the Bosporus and Dardanelles under a 1936 pact, allowing it to prevent some Russian vessels from crossing the Turkish Straits.

NATO ally Turkey borders Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea and has good ties with both. Since the beginning of the conflict, Ankara has offered to mediate between the two sides and host peace talks, underlining its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Having recently called Russia’s invasion an unacceptable violation of international law, Turkey has carefully formulated its rhetoric not to offend Moscow, with which it has close energy, defense and tourism ties.

Ankara has said it wants to bring together Ukraine and Russia's foreign ministers for talks at a diplomacy forum next week in southern Turkey. Both Ukraine and Russia have voiced openness to such talks.