In a significant diplomatic development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has commended Türkiye for its active role in promoting peace amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. This recognition came after Zelenskyy met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Kyiv, where he presented Fidan with the Order of Merit, Second Class. The award underscores Türkiye’s efforts in advancing peace initiatives between the warring nations.
The discussions between Zelenskyy and Fidan focused on several critical issues, including the current diplomatic landscape, battlefield developments, and strategies to rejuvenate stalled peace negotiations. President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards Türkiye for its unwavering commitment to mediation and expressed optimism about further strengthening bilateral cooperation. This includes the implementation of the recently ratified Ukraine-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement, which is seen as a step towards deepening economic ties.
Throughout the conflict, Türkiye has managed to maintain diplomatic relations with both Ukraine and Russia, positioning itself as a mediator. Previously, Türkiye facilitated key initiatives such as peace talks in Istanbul, prisoner exchanges, and the Black Sea grain initiative, which have been vital in easing tensions. During the Kyiv meeting, Fidan reiterated the importance of continuing the “Istanbul format” of negotiations, emphasizing Türkiye’s readiness to host future discussions aimed at achieving peace.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed these sentiments, affirming that President Zelenskyy is open to meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye, should conditions permit such a dialogue. This willingness to engage directly underscores Ukraine’s commitment to finding a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, with Türkiye playing a pivotal role in facilitating such crucial interactions.