In a significant move toward reviving peace efforts in Eastern Europe, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Friday. The visit marks a crucial step in Türkiye’s growing role as a mediator in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Fidan also held high-level talks with Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, reinforcing Türkiye’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties. Though the specifics of these meetings remain undisclosed, the diplomatic symbolism of Türkiye’s engagement is clear.
During a joint press conference with Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Fidan proposed hosting a new round of peace negotiations. The envisioned summit would include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Sybiha expressed Ukraine’s openness to a temporary cease-fire, highlighting a desire to end the war within the year. “Whether it’s 30, 50, or 100 days, we are ready to discuss a cease-fire,” he said, emphasizing Ukraine’s readiness for pragmatic steps toward peace.
With both Moscow and Kyiv showing tentative interest in further dialogue, and Türkiye offering itself as a neutral ground, hope is cautiously rising for renewed diplomacy and a break in the ongoing hostilities.