Türkiye confirms fresh Momentum for Russia-Ukraine peace talks

English , Middle East - مشرق وسطٰی , Snippets , / Thursday, June 5th, 2025

Download this post as PDF

rki.news
Sources Anadolu Agency
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed that a new round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine is expected soon, as both sides increasingly recognize the necessity of dialogue to end the ongoing war. In an interview with TRT News, Fidan said the conflict, now approaching its fourth year, has evolved into a global crisis due to widespread international involvement. He reiterated Türkiye’s unwavering support for peace and recalled its earlier mediation efforts, including the 2022 Istanbul talks, the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and successful prisoner exchanges.
Fidan described the June 2 meeting as constructive, resulting in a fresh agreement to exchange over 1,000 prisoners. He noted that both parties shared ceasefire proposals and expressed interest in convening a leaders’ summit. “Whether the table is in Türkiye or elsewhere doesn’t matter,” he stated. “What’s essential is that the dialogue continues. President Erdogan is still the only leader trusted by all three parties involved.”
He added that a direct meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could become inevitable if further diplomatic progress is achieved. Fidan also pointed to a possible shift in U.S. involvement, with military aid continuing under President Joe Biden but expected to end in a few months. He noted that new directions could emerge under Donald Trump if he returns to office.
Fidan also discussed the launch of a joint anti-Daesh (ISIS) coordination mechanism with Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. The cell, activated after high-level meetings in Ankara, includes intelligence and military officials from each country. He said Türkiye is working toward a framework enabling closer coordination with Damascus and Washington to counter regional terror threats more effectively.