Turkish foreign minister says Ukraine and Russia may now be closer to peace
Photo: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (Getty Images)
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in an interview with Welt am Sonntag, said that after four years of war, Ukraine and Russia may now be closer to peace and could be ready to end the war under "certain conditions."
He noted that after four years of exhausting war, both sides have recognized the scale of human suffering and destruction and have become aware of their own limitations.
Fidan added that Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly prepared to agree to a ceasefire and a comprehensive peace agreement, but only under "certain conditions."
The position has already been communicated to the Ukrainian side, with Türkiye involved in some aspects of the discussions. He also emphasized that the war continues to carry very high costs for Russia.
Security guarantees for Ukraine
Fidan highlighted that the most important element of security guarantees for Ukraine currently is US commitments similar to NATO's Article 5. He also stressed the importance of maintaining the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to Fidan, European countries believe that a sovereign nation should make these decisions independently. He added that Russia considers limitations on troop numbers as part of its own security guarantee.
Fidan previously warned that the war could enter a more tense phase in the coming months, after which a window for a diplomatic breakthrough might open. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has also said that a quick end to the war should not be expected.
Negotiations in the US
On November 29, the Ukrainian delegation traveled to the United States to continue discussions on the peace plan. It includes Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergiy Kyslytsya.
On November 30, the meeting in Miami began and is still ongoing. Reports indicate that the US aims to resolve two key issues of the peace plan with Ukraine in a single day, focusing on territorial issues and security guarantees.
Before meeting the Ukrainian delegation, US Secretary of State Mark Rubio outlined the goals of the peace plan, emphasizing that it concerns not only ending the war but also securing Ukraine's sovereignty and prosperity.
