In a significant diplomatic engagement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lauded Türkiye’s efforts to mediate an end to the ongoing conflict with Russia. This commendation came after Zelenskyy met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Kyiv, where the Ukrainian leader awarded Fidan the Order of Merit, Second Class, acknowledging Türkiye’s active role in fostering peace initiatives.
The discussions between Zelenskyy and Fidan focused on the current diplomatic landscape, battlefield developments, and potential avenues to rekindle peace negotiations. President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s consistent mediation efforts and highlighted the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation, specifically through the execution of the recently ratified Ukraine-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement.
Throughout the conflict, Türkiye has maintained diplomatic connections with both Ukraine and Russia. It has previously facilitated peace talks in Istanbul and played a crucial role in organizing prisoner exchanges and the Black Sea grain initiative. During the meeting, Fidan emphasized the importance of continuing the “Istanbul format” for negotiations and reiterated Türkiye’s readiness to host future peace discussions.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha underscored Ukraine’s openness to further dialogue by stating that President Zelenskyy is willing to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye, provided the conditions are conducive. This statement reflects Ukraine’s ongoing commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution amid the challenging geopolitical climate.