Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts to facilitate an end to the ongoing conflict with Russia during a recent meeting in Kyiv with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. In recognition of Türkiye’s contributions to peace initiatives, Zelenskyy awarded Fidan the Order of Merit, Second Class. The meeting centered on discussions about the current diplomatic landscape, battlefield developments, and potential pathways to revive peace negotiations.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Türkiye for its persistent mediation efforts and voiced optimism about fortifying bilateral cooperation, particularly through the implementation of the newly ratified Ukraine-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement. Türkiye has played a unique role in the conflict due to its maintained relations with both Ukraine and Russia. It has previously hosted peace talks in Istanbul and facilitated important initiatives such as prisoner exchanges and the Black Sea grain deal.
During the meeting, Fidan emphasized the importance of continuing the “Istanbul format” negotiations, reaffirming Türkiye’s readiness to host future peace talks. This stance underscores Türkiye’s commitment to being a neutral ground for dialogue aimed at resolving the conflict. The Turkish foreign minister’s visit highlighted the strategic role Türkiye plays in the region as a mediator willing to bridge the gap between the warring nations.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha noted Zelenskyy’s willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye if the circumstances are conducive. This statement suggests a possible openness to diplomatic engagement under the right conditions, pointing to Türkiye as a potential venue for such high-level discussions. The ongoing cooperation between Ukraine and Türkiye could set the stage for renewed peace efforts and underline the significance of diplomatic channels in resolving the conflict.