U.S Ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack, highlighted Türkiye’s critical diplomatic role in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing its unique position as a country with strong ties to both sides. In an interview with Turkish broadcaster NTV on Monday, Barrack noted that Türkiye’s longstanding cooperation with both Russia and Ukraine enables it to act as an effective mediator.
“Türkiye’s traditional relations with both Moscow and Kyiv give it a rare ability to foster meaningful dialogue,” he said. He added that Türkiye’s efforts in hosting peace talks in Istanbul show its influence beyond its role as a NATO ally.
Barrack also praised the close relationship between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S President Donald Trump, stating that he would work to further enhance this partnership.
The ambassador also addressed the U.S. presence in Syria, suggesting that Washington is reassessing its long-term strategy. He criticized Western-imposed arrangements after World War I, such as the Sykes-Picot Agreement, for creating artificial borders in a region with complex tribal and religious dynamics.
According to Barrack, the U.S is gradually reducing its military footprint in Syria, cutting the number of bases and planning to scale down to a single facility. He also revealed that the U.S is working to integrate the PKK/YPG operating under the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian regime, a move that has long been controversial.
He warned that unless there is robust cooperation in the region, U.S influence could weaken. “There’s growing pressure on all fronts to reach lasting agreements,” he said.
Overall, Barrack emphasized that Türkiye’s active diplomacy, regional relationships, and engagement in peace processes make it a central player in shaping the future of the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
