During a recent meeting in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended Türkiye for its diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the ongoing war with Russia. Zelenskyy conferred the Order of Merit, Second Class, to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, acknowledging Türkiye’s contributions to peace initiatives. This meeting highlights the ongoing collaboration between Ukraine and Türkiye as both countries navigate the complexities of the conflict.
The discussions between Zelenskyy and Fidan were comprehensive, covering diplomatic strategies, battlefield developments, and the potential for reigniting peace negotiations. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s persistent mediation roles and underscored the importance of the newly ratified Ukraine-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement as a foundation for bolstering bilateral cooperation.
Türkiye has played a unique role throughout the conflict by maintaining relations with both Ukraine and Russia. This diplomatic balancing act has enabled Türkiye to host peace talks in Istanbul previously and facilitate key exchanges, such as prisoner swaps and the Black Sea grain initiative. Fidan emphasized the importance of continuing negotiations under the “Istanbul format,” reiterating Türkiye’s willingness to host future peace discussions.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also remarked on Zelenskyy’s openness to engage in direct dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye, contingent upon the right conditions. This potential meeting underscores the delicate diplomatic maneuvers at play as Ukraine seeks an end to the hostilities with Russia.