Turkey is set to reiterate its offer to host Ukraine-Russia peace talks at a meeting of European leaders in London. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will discuss Turkey’s commitment to a lasting peace and Ukraine’s sovereignty. Following its role in facilitating discussions in 2022, Turkey emphasizes the need for regional security and economic stability.
Turkey is expected to reiterate its offer to host peace talks between Ukraine and Russia during the European leaders meeting on Sunday in London, according to a report by Reuters. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will brief the leaders on Turkey’s commitment to finding a fair and lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict. He will affirm Ankara’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In March 2022, Turkey facilitated initial negotiations between the two nations, which resulted in an agreement for secure grain exports in the Black Sea. Fidan is projected to emphasize Turkey’s readiness to mediate talks once again, stressing the importance of mutual focus among all involved parties on establishing regional security, stability, and economic prosperity during future negotiations.
Turkey has called for a ceasefire since 2024 and has expressed support for the US initiative to end the conflict, which faced setbacks following a public disagreement between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US President Donald Trump. Ankara has maintained a balanced relationship with both Russia and Ukraine throughout the war, providing military assistance to Kyiv while refraining from participating in Western sanctions against Moscow.
Last month, President Zelenskiy visited Turkey coinciding with US and Russian talks in Riyadh, which did not include Kyiv. Recently, Zelenskiy identified Turkey as a key security partner for Ukraine, while on the other hand, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also engaged in discussions in Ankara. Fidan and Lavrov communicated over the phone to address unfolding events surrounding the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
The Russian Foreign Ministry criticized Zelenskiy’s Washington visit as a political failure, indicating strained relations with the US, an essential military ally. Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova characterized the February 28 visit as a “complete political and diplomatic failure by the Kyiv regime.”
Turkey is reaffirming its readiness to mediate Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations, reflecting its diplomatic role established in 2022. With efforts focused on fostering territorial integrity and stability in the region, Turkey continues to advocate for a ceasefire while maintaining a balanced relationship with both nations. Recent diplomatic tensions involving Ukraine and the US have added further complexity to the ongoing conflict.
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