In a recent meeting held in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended Türkiye for its diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. This acknowledgment came during discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, where Zelenskyy awarded him the Order of Merit, Second Class, as a token of appreciation for Türkiye’s active role in promoting peace.
During their talks, Zelenskyy and Fidan explored the current state of diplomacy, battlefield developments, and strategies to rekindle peace negotiations. The Ukrainian leader expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s steadfast mediation efforts, highlighting the potential for enhanced cooperation following the ratification of the Ukraine-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement.
Türkiye has uniquely positioned itself by maintaining relationships with both Ukraine and Russia throughout the conflict. It has previously facilitated peace talks in Istanbul and played a significant role in initiatives such as prisoner exchanges and the Black Sea grain deal. Fidan, reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment, suggested that the “Istanbul format” of negotiations should persist and indicated Türkiye’s willingness to host future peace dialogues.
Furthermore, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha mentioned that President Zelenskyy is open to meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye, should the circumstances be conducive. This openness underscores Ukraine’s desire for a diplomatic resolution and highlights Türkiye’s pivotal role as a mediator in the conflict.