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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Europe should help Ukraine make “very difficult choices” to prevent greater losses, as the Russia-Ukraine war continues to reshape regional security dynamics.
Speaking to Al Jazeera Arabic, Fidan said Türkiye has worked intensively for the past four years to achieve a ceasefire and lasting peace, stressing that continued fighting risks further escalation, including in the Black Sea.
“Europe must help Ukraine make certain hard decisions,” Fidan said, noting that while such choices, particularly regarding territory, are extremely painful, they may be necessary to avoid greater harm.
Fidan said battlefield conditions are constantly changing, with Russian forces currently appearing to advance.
He noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is preparing to submit revised peace conditions to the United States following consultations with European partners.
According to Fidan, an earlier 28-point Ukrainian plan was reduced to 20 points by European actors, shared with Russia, and later discussed again with Ukraine. He said a counterproposal is expected soon.
Despite diplomatic efforts, Fidan warned that fighting continues while negotiations unfold, increasing risks beyond Ukraine’s borders.
Fidan reiterated Türkiye’s readiness to host further peace talks in Istanbul, recalling that three rounds of negotiations held last summer led to significant progress on prisoner exchanges and humanitarian issues.
“These talks laid the groundwork for today’s discussions,” he said, adding that Türkiye remains prepared to continue its mediation role.
Fidan warned that the war is increasingly affecting the Black Sea, where commercial vessels and tankers have been targeted.
“If the war continues, it could spread further into Europe,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of halting the conflict.
Fidan stressed that Türkiye uses its influence to promote stability, ceasefires and peace, not only in Ukraine but also in Gaza, Syria and Africa.
“Our policy is always aimed at calming tensions and supporting peace,” he said, underscoring Türkiye’s continued diplomatic engagement with all sides.
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