ISTANBUL – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that his country is willing to serve as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia in order to maintain regional peace. "We want peace in the region, and we are prepared to do our share," he told reporters following Friday prayers in Istanbul.

According to Tuerish media report, Erdogan announced his intention to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, either over the phone or during a possible visit to Moscow in the coming days.

Any development between Russia and Ukraine that leads to a border violation or the commencement of a conflict would be a significant breach of the region's peace," he said, saying that any turmoil there would irritate Turkey, which has strong and increasing relations with both nations. Erdogan invited the presidents of Russia and Ukraine to meet in Istanbul on Thursday in order to defuse tensions.

Some western countries have accused Russia of stockpiling military forces along Ukraine's border, implying that Moscow is preparing a military offensive. Russia, on the other hand, has denied the allegations.

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