Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has commended Türkiye for its diplomatic contributions towards ending the ongoing conflict with Russia, following discussions in Kyiv with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. During their meeting, Zelenskyy awarded Fidan the Order of Merit, Second Class, highlighting Türkiye’s significant role in peace efforts.
The dialogue between Zelenskyy and Fidan focused on the current diplomatic landscape, developments on the battlefield, and potential strategies to renew peace negotiations. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s unwavering mediation efforts and anticipated enhanced cooperation, particularly in implementing the recently ratified Ukraine-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement.
Throughout the conflict, Türkiye has maintained relationships with both Ukraine and Russia, previously hosting peace talks in Istanbul and facilitating initiatives such as prisoner exchanges and the Black Sea grain initiative. 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 noted that President Zelenskyy remains open to meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye if the conditions are favorable. This openness underscores the ongoing efforts to find a diplomatic resolution to the war.