FM Fidan: Türkiye ready to mediate Ukraine peace talks

Türkiye’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, has stated that his country is ready to host peace talks on Ukraine and believes that a peaceful settlement must involve both parties to the conflict.

“A peaceful settlement is urgently needed,” Fidan said during a press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on February 24 in Ankara, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"Shortly after the war began, we brought the parties together in Istanbul. We continued our diplomatic efforts to seek a peaceful solution. Today, we are entering the fourth year of the war. We see the US-initiated negotiations, which align with our position and efforts. At the same time, we believe that a solution can be achieved through negotiations involving both sides. In this context, we are ready to provide all possible support and to host peace talks," Fidan said.

Meanwhile, Lavrov said that Russia and the United States will hold full-fledged talks later this week to address diplomatic obstacles.

Speaking alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara, Lavrov said last week's Russia-US talks in Riyadh were "highly appreciated" as an opportunity for dialogue despite ongoing differences.

On Ukraine, Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s willingness to negotiate but said fighting would only stop when a settlement acceptable to Russia is reached.

"We are ready to negotiate with Ukraine, Europe, and any representatives who would like to help achieve peace in good faith, but we will stop fighting only when these negotiations produce a firm and sustainable result that suits the Russian Federation," he said.

He claimed a 2022 peace deal was blocked by former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and said Ukraine’s non-accession to NATO should be a key condition in any future agreement. 

By Aghakazim Guliyev