In a significant diplomatic gesture, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lauded Türkiye’s efforts to mediate peace amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. This commendation followed a meeting in Kyiv with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, during which Zelenskyy awarded Fidan the Order of Merit, Second Class. The award highlights Türkiye’s active role in supporting peace initiatives as the war continues.
The discussions between Zelenskyy and Fidan centered on the current diplomatic landscape, battlefield developments, and strategies to rejuvenate peace negotiations. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s continued mediation efforts and emphasized the importance of further collaboration, particularly through the recently ratified Ukraine-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement. This agreement aims to strengthen economic ties between the two nations amid the geopolitical challenges.
Türkiye has played a unique role in the conflict, maintaining relationships with both Ukraine and Russia. It has previously hosted peace talks in Istanbul and facilitated crucial initiatives like prisoner exchanges and the Black Sea grain deal. During the meeting, Fidan reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to the “Istanbul format” for negotiations, emphasizing the country’s readiness to host future peace talks.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also conveyed Ukraine’s openness to dialogue, noting that President Zelenskyy is prepared to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye if conducive conditions emerge. This statement underscores the potential for Türkiye to serve as a pivotal venue for direct discussions between the conflicting parties, should an opportunity for resolution arise.