Turkey's role as mediator between Ukraine and Russia important and promising - Umerov

Rustem Umerov, a Ukrainian MP and secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Human Rights, said this in an interview with Ukrinform.

"Turkey is on our side. It shares our vision, supports our sovereignty and territorial integrity, does not recognize the temporary occupation of Crimea, but maintains political, diplomatic and economic relations with Russia. Russia has more complicated relations with the United States. Therefore, Turkey can become an effective mediator to defuse existing tensions and resolve other issues. Its role is important and promising," Umerov said.

He stressed that Russia continues to block the work of the Trilateral Contact Group.

"We are trying to maintain contact through the Trilateral Contact Group, but the Russian Federation is blocking its work. We have no platforms for contact. They don't want to see and hear anything because they know they'll lose. No matter what they say in Moscow, they understand the pressure from the international community, and sanctions have their effect. We appreciate this support and welcome any efforts that can help end the war with Russia. We are ready to work with international partners," Umerov said.

Turkey stated earlier that it is ready to act as a mediator in resolving the situation in eastern Ukraine and hopes for a peaceful settlement. However, the Russian Foreign Ministry rejected such a proposal from Ankara.

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