Turkish FM reports progress in Ukraine-Russia talks as Turkiye awaits new round
Photo: Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan (Getty Images)
Türkiye expects a new round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to take place, as progress was made during the June 2 meeting in Istanbul. This was stated by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, according to AA and
"I think the June 2 meeting brought progress in terms of implementing the decisions made during the previous round of negotiations. Therefore, we expect the next meeting to take place... both sides see value in sitting at the same table," he said during a broadcast on TRT Haber.
Speaking about the second round of direct negotiations, Fidan noted that during the contacts in Istanbul, he observed a professional approach from both Ukrainians and Russians.
"Of course, there was professionalism. I could see it. Yes, people may sometimes get emotional or excited, but overall, the level of emotion was much lower than I expected. There were no heated arguments, insults, or accusations… These were good negotiations," the minister stated.
He also expressed the view that a meeting between the leaders of both countries would be inevitable if the delegations’ negotiations continue. In particular, such a summit would require specific decisions and an agenda to be prepared in advance.
"I’ll share my personal opinion on this matter, as I cannot speak on behalf of the parties - that would be inappropriate. My analysis of the situation is that if there are a few more meetings and the talks reach a certain point, then a meeting between the leaders will be inevitable," the Turkish foreign minister explained.
At the same time, Fidan emphasized that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has expressed readiness to host the leaders’ meeting, adding that aside from Erdoğan, there is no one whom all three leaders, of the US, Russia, and Ukraine, trust.
"There is no other leader who is simultaneously known, respected, and trusted by all three. A venue can be found, but in terms of political leadership, global authority, experience, integrity, trust, and the professionalism of the institutions he leads, there is no one else like him," Fidan said.
Istanbul talks
On Monday, June 2, Ukraine and Russia held the second round of talks. As a result of the meeting, the parties agreed to exchange all severely wounded and seriously ill individuals (on an “all for all” basis), all soldiers aged 18–25, and the bodies of fallen soldiers, 6,000 for 6,000. Russia also handed over a list of more than 300 names of Ukrainian children it had taken and is willing to return if relatives come forward.
Additionally, both sides presented their proposals for a peaceful settlement of the war. Ukraine submitted its document several days before the Istanbul meeting, while Russia presented its version only at the meeting itself.
For more details on what the sides agreed on and what to expect next, see the full RBC-Ukraine report.
