Ukraine and Russia's 'inevitable talks' could take place in Turkiye, Fidan says
Photo: Turkiye's foreign minister Hakan Fidan (Getty Images)
The war between Ukraine and Russia will eventually end in negotiations, and Türkiye is the only location acceptable to both sides, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said, according to his remarks.
Fidan said the war in Europe has now entered its fourth year and its global impact "is deeply felt." He stressed that fighting must finally stop, and the only way to achieve that is through negotiations.
"I think this war is now going through its worst phase. Both sides are focused on destroying transport and energy infrastructure. It has now turned into a drone war. No one can move anywhere; only those advancing are the ones who do not count their losses," he said.
Fidan noted that Russia’s supposed gains on the battlefield have come at enormous cost. Moscow, he suggested, should consider seeking peace. The problem, he added, is that neither side "can openly say they want negotiations because they don’t want to look weak to the other."
"The war must end. We believe talks are inevitable. Personally, I believe negotiations will resume. We cannot go into details. It may happen in Türkiye, it may happen elsewhere, but I am certain that peace will come," Fidan concluded.
He also recalled that, following National Security and Defense Council secretary Rustem Umerov’s recent visit to Türkiye, an agreement was reached to resume prisoner exchanges. Ukraine expects to secure the release of around 1,200 captives from Russia.
Talks in Istanbul: where things stand
Ukraine and Russia resumed negotiations in Istanbul in 2025 after Donald Trump returned to power in the United States. However, after three rounds in May, June, and July, no real progress has been made, aside from the prisoner exchange track.
The Kremlin refuses to abandon its ultimatums or agree to a ceasefire, while Ukraine has no intention of accepting Russia’s demands.
On 12 November, Ukraine’s deputy foreign minister Serhii Kyslytsia said peace talks this year had yielded almost no results and are currently suspended.
