Türkiye reveals timeline for potential progress in Ukraine-Russia talks
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (Photo: Getty Images)
In the coming months, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine may enter a more intense phase, after which a window for a diplomatic breakthrough could likely open, states Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
According to Fidan, both sides are ramping up military efforts, trying not to show weakness, which only increases casualties and destruction.
“Both sides are indeed intensifying their preparations. The fighting is becoming increasingly intense. Today, there were bombings again, and they continue,” Fidan noted.
The minister called the logic behind the current escalation obvious.
“Each side is sending a signal to the other - if necessary, I am ready to fight; I have the will, determination, and resources. So think about yourself,” the Turkish foreign minister said.
He added that this tactic is typical in military strategies: if one side shows leniency, the other immediately increases pressure.
Main sticking point
Fidan emphasized that Türkiye maintains dialogue with all parties - the US, Ukraine, and Russia.
In his view, the meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Alaska helped clarify positions, but the main disputed issue remains unchanged: about 25–30% of the Donetsk region, which Moscow still does not control.
“Russia wants to take this region. Kyiv insists: ‘This territory is key to our territorial integrity, and we cannot give it up without a fight.’ The Russians respond: ‘We will continue the war, whatever the cost. After taking this territory, we will go further. To avoid losing the rest, hand it over.’ The Ukrainians counter: ‘If we give in now, it will lead to further losses in the future,’” Fidan explained, summarizing the positions of both sides.
The minister also said that contacts with American and European representatives have led to an understanding that a diplomatic breakthrough could be possible within a few months, and the problem is now clearly identified.
He added that in Ankara, various compromise solutions are being considered that could help bring the sides closer together.
Shift in the US stance on negotiations
Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that he is tired of endless negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The American leader recalled that he had ended seven wars, and he expected the war in Ukraine to become the eighth - but Putin let him down.
After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York, Trump suggested that Ukraine could regain temporarily the Russian-occupied territories. In his view, such an outcome would only be possible with support from the EU.
Meanwhile, Russia has intensified air attacks on Ukraine and placed the blame for stalled negotiations on Kyiv.
