Barış Çağlar

The central thesis of this article depends on deterrence theory and posits that nuclear war, rather than any specific nation or faction, constitutes the true adversary in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and that averting nuclear escalation must be prioritized above all else. After establishing the rationale for this position, the commentary offers a critical analysis of both Western and Russian policies, highlighting their role in intensifying the conflict without sufficiently accounting for the risks of nuclear confrontation. As an alternative peaceful path, the article examines the Turkish approach as a concise applied case study, emphasizing its balanced diplomatic and military engagement with both Ukraine and Russia. Through its promotion of dialogue and facilitation of peace negotiations, Türkiye exemplifies a strategic approach to conflict resolution that aims not only to prevent further escalation —especially the threat of nuclear conflict— but also to pave the way toward sustainable peace.