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Historically, Turkey has maintained cordial relations with both Russia and Ukraine, leveraging its unique position as a NATO member that is simultaneously friendly to Russia. Erdoğan hosted the first round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in March 2022 and was instrumental in brokering the Black Sea grain deal, allowing Ukrainian exports through Turkey's maritime routes. These diplomatic victories have bolstered Turkey’s status and provided economic relief amid rising inflation, partly due to the war's impact on global energy prices.