Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, plans to reoffer to host peace talks between Ukraine and Russia at a London summit. Turkey has previously facilitated negotiations and continues to advocate for a ceasefire and Ukraine’s territorial integrity. As a Black Sea neighbor, Turkey maintains good relations with both nations and aims to contribute to regional stability and security.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, is set to reaffirm Turkey’s offer to facilitate peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia during a meeting of European leaders in London on Sunday, according to a diplomatic source in Turkey. Previously, Turkey hosted initial talks shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, leading to an agreement allowing safe grain exports from the Black Sea. Turkey insists that any forthcoming discussions must involve representatives from both nations.
Since 2024, Turkey has consistently advocated for a ceasefire and has shown support for U.S. efforts to resolve the conflict. However, tensions escalated recently following a public disagreement between the Ukrainian and U.S. presidents during a meeting in Washington. In London, Minister Fidan will inform European leaders of Turkey’s endeavors aimed at achieving a “fair and lasting peace” in the conflict. He is anticipated to reiterate Turkey’s commitment to upholding Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Fidan is expected to emphasize that Turkey, which successfully organized direct negotiations between the two countries in March 2022, is prepared to take on this mediation role once more. Furthermore, he will underscore the necessity for all involved parties to collaborate towards ensuring regional security, stability, and economic development in any negotiations.
As a key Black Sea neighbor to both Ukraine and Russia, Turkey has maintained positive relations with each since the onset of hostilities. It has provided military assistance to Ukraine while opting out of Western sanctions against Russia. Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited Turkey, coinciding with a meeting between U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh where Ukraine was not represented. Concurrently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov engaged in discussions in Ankara.
In a broader context, delegations from the United States and Russia convened in Istanbul to address issues concerning the operations of their respective embassies, highlighting the dynamic geopolitical environment. President Zelenskiy acknowledged Turkey’s role, asserting that he views the nation as a crucial security guarantor for Ukraine.
Turkey continues to assert its role as a potential mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts toward a sustainable peace. With a history of hosting negotiations, Turkey’s diplomatic initiatives highlight its strategic significance in the region. The upcoming meeting in London offers an opportunity for Turkey to reinforce its commitment to both peace and Ukraine’s sovereignty while navigating complex international relationships.
Original Source: www.marketscreener.com
