In a recent meeting in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts in facilitating peace between Ukraine and Russia. The Ukrainian leader expressed his gratitude to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan by bestowing upon him the Order of Merit, Second Class, acknowledging Türkiye’s significant contribution to peace initiatives amidst the ongoing conflict.
During their discussions, Zelenskyy and Fidan explored the current diplomatic landscape and recent battlefield developments, focusing on strategies to rejuvenate peace negotiations. Notably, Zelenskyy conveyed Ukraine’s appreciation for Türkiye’s persistent mediation efforts and highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation, particularly following the ratification of the Ukraine-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement.
Türkiye has played a unique role in the conflict by maintaining relations with both Ukraine and Russia. The country has previously hosted pivotal peace talks in Istanbul and facilitated important actions such as prisoner exchanges and the Black Sea grain initiative. Reinforcing this commitment, Fidan emphasized the importance of the “Istanbul format” for negotiations and expressed Türkiye’s willingness to host any future peace discussions.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed these sentiments, affirming that President Zelenskyy remains open to meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye, should the circumstances permit. This openness to dialogue underscores the Ukrainian leadership’s readiness to engage in constructive talks aimed at resolving the conflict.