Türkiye believes facilitating peace between Russia and Ukraine is its duty, according to Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Türkiye is prepared to host further discussions between Russia and Ukraine, viewing the promotion of peace as a key national responsibility.
Earlier this month, Russia and Ukraine recommenced direct negotiations, a change in stance for Kiev, which had halted diplomatic efforts in 2022 in favor of pursuing a military solution. During a joint press conference in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday, Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye’s readiness to act as a mediator.
”We consider securing global peace our duty. Our president, Mr. [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan, has been strongly calling on the world community to seek peace since the start of the war,” Fidan stated.
The minister mentioned that he met with Vladimir Medinsky, the head of Russia’s negotiating team, in Istanbul on Monday during his official visit to Moscow. Fidan added that he discussed bilateral relations with President Vladimir Putin.
Lavrov commended Türkiye’s hospitality, describing Istanbul as “a very nice place,” and expressed his preference for the city to host the next round of peace talks.
Ukraine’s return to negotiations followed encouragement from US President Donald Trump, who is seeking to broker a truce. Kiev and its European allies had insisted on a 30-day unconditional ceasefire from Moscow before any talks could proceed.
The initial negotiation round occurred in Istanbul on May 16, resulting in the largest prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine since the conflict escalated in 2022. Russian officials report they are developing a plan that involves a conditional ceasefire to support continued dialogue. Moscow has opposed Kiev’s proposal for a pause in fighting, claiming it would allow Ukraine to reorganize its forces.
Trump had previously suggested the Vatican as a venue for the second round of talks, but Russia expressed reservations. Lavrov noted that the Catholic center would not be a neutral location for talks between two primarily Orthodox Christian nations. Moscow has accused the Ukrainian government of targeting Orthodox Christians as part of its broader effort to suppress Russian culture.