Turkish FM heads to Kyiv with peace talks at top of agenda

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said that ending the Russia–Ukraine war will be the central focus of his visit to Kyiv, as Ankara continues its diplomatic efforts to promote a negotiated settlement to the conflict.

Speaking to Turkish journalists before departing for the Ukrainian capital by train, Fidan said Türkiye remains committed to pursuing peace while maintaining dialogue with all parties, Caliber.Az reports, citing, Russian media.

"Our main issue in Kyiv is how to stop this war. On the European side, there are two separate approaches to this issue: how to support Ukraine's military efforts and how to stop the war. From the very beginning of the conflict, Türkiye has devoted tremendous efforts specifically to ending the war. During this visit to Kyiv, we will have the opportunity to hear firsthand the views of our Ukrainian colleagues and partners, and, of course, we will share our own observations on the matter, which is also important," he said.

Fidan noted that the Turkish delegation would use the visit to present Ankara's assessment of the current state of the conflict while consulting with Ukrainian officials on prospects for ending the war.

Highlighting Türkiye's previous mediation efforts, the foreign minister pointed to Ankara's role in facilitating negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, as well as agreements aimed at easing the humanitarian and security consequences of the conflict.

"As you know, last year we hosted Russia–Ukraine negotiations in Istanbul. Before that, we carried out various initiatives to facilitate a settlement, secured the grain deal, prisoner exchanges, and measures to ensure the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. I believe this visit will also make a positive contribution to these ongoing efforts," Fidan said.

He also recalled his recent diplomatic engagements with both Moscow and European partners.

"Last month I visited Moscow," Fidan said, noting that he had conveyed messages from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the Russian leadership and discussed the conflict with Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin.

"We had the opportunity to hear the views of our Russian counterparts and President Vladimir Putin. Yesterday, I was in Paris representing our president at the meeting of the 'Coalition of the Willing.' The issue of Ukraine was at the centre of discussions there," he added.

During his visit to Kyiv, Fidan is also expected to discuss maritime security in the Black Sea, including measures to safeguard commercial shipping and prevent attacks on civilian vessels and port infrastructure.

By Vafa Guliyeva