Turkey Offers to Host Peace Talks Between Ukraine and Russia

Turkey Offers to Host Peace Talks Between Ukraine and Russia

Turkey’s Diplomatic Efforts

Turkey’s Foreign Minister will reiterate an offer to host peace talks between Ukraine and Russia at a meeting of European leaders in London on Sunday, according to a Turkish diplomatic source.

Previous Mediation Role

Turkey, a NATO member, hosted initial negotiations between Ukraine and Russia months after the 2022 full-scale invasion. This mediation helped secure an agreement for the safe passage of grain exports in the Black Sea. Ankara maintains that any future peace talks must include both countries.

Call for Ceasefire and Support for U.S. Initiative

Since 2024, Turkey has consistently called for a ceasefire. While emphasizing its independent diplomatic approach, Ankara has also expressed support for the U.S. initiative to end the war, despite recent tensions between Ukraine and the United States.

Foreign Minister’s Address to European Leaders

On Sunday, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will brief European leaders on Turkey’s efforts to establish a “fair and lasting peace.” He will reaffirm Turkey’s commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty while advocating for inclusive negotiations focused on regional security, stability, and economic prosperity.

Turkey’s Balanced Approach

As a Black Sea littoral state, Turkey has maintained good relations with both Ukraine and Russia. It has provided military support to Kyiv while refraining from participating in Western sanctions against Moscow.

Recent Diplomatic Engagements

• Last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited Turkey, coinciding with separate U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh.
• On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with Turkish officials in Ankara.
• On Saturday, Fidan and Lavrov discussed the war in a phone call, their third contact in two weeks.
• On Thursday, U.S. and Russian delegations held discussions in Istanbul regarding bilateral diplomatic issues.

Turkey as a Security Guarantor

Zelenskiy recently stated that he views Turkey as an important security guarantor for Ukraine. Ankara continues to position itself as a key mediator, aiming to facilitate peace negotiations in the ongoing conflict.

“Turkey Offers to Host Peace Talks Between Ukraine and Russia” “Turkey Offers to Host Peace Talks Between Ukraine and Russia”