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Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan outlined a critical crossroads for the Russia-Ukraine conflict during a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv, stating that the international community faces a stark choice in 2025.
"Either we will turn a blind eye to the continuation of this war or we will reach a lasting peace within this year," Fidan stated, referring to what he described as approaching a "critical crossroads" in the Russia-Ukraine war.
"For Türkiye, reaching a just and lasting peace through dialogue urgently and ending the war is the only way," he added, pointing to the May 16 Istanbul peace negotiations.
Fidan proposed a high-level summit to advance the peace negotiations, suggesting that President Erdogan could host a meeting between key world leaders.
"With President Erdogan hosting President Trump, President Putin and President Zelenskyy, these four leaders coming together could crown the first and second rounds of talks held in Istanbul, we assess," Fidan stated.
"We want the momentum captured in Istanbul to continue," he said, noting that the rapid completion of prisoner exchange agreements demonstrated that negotiations can produce concrete results.
"The talks that resumed in Istanbul are truly extremely important. We believe that as long as we stay at the negotiation table, progress can definitely be seen," Fidan emphasized.
He confirmed that Russia indicated on June 2 its readiness to continue negotiations in Istanbul, building on previous discussions between the warring parties.
Fidan noted that the previous round produced concrete outcomes, stating: "As a concrete outcome of the previous meeting, prisoner exchanges were made and the parties agreed to announce their positions regarding ceasefire to each other."
"Türkiye is doing its best by using its good relations with both sides to advance and implement the peace perspective," Fidan stated, describing ongoing shuttle diplomacy efforts.
Before arriving in Kyiv, Fidan visited Moscow, sharing his observations with his Ukrainian counterpart. "This effort, as a result of President Erdogan's intensive efforts, both his instructing us and his continuous communication with international actors, makes it possible for us to make certain progress," he said.
"With the instruction of our President, we are in shuttle diplomacy," Fidan added, explaining the mediation approach.
Looking ahead to future negotiations, Fidan expressed optimism about upcoming talks. "We hope to see that technical work will be largely completed in the new meeting to be held," he stated.
"We are ready to host subsequent meetings based on the principled decision taken by the parties in Istanbul," Fidan confirmed. "Therefore, I want to express here once again that we are ready to host subsequent meetings."
Addressing Ukraine's NATO membership aspirations, Fidan noted: "The issue of Ukraine's NATO membership is a discussion topic within the Alliance that has various parameters."
"Especially considering the reality of the ongoing war, this is an issue where member countries within the Alliance approach the matter with different positions. Here too, of course, discussions will continue within the Alliance," he said.
"Here, the positions of Europe, America, and Türkiye need to converge somehow. I did not discuss such a topic during my meetings in Russia. Frankly, it did not come to the agenda either. Discussions on this matter will continue," Fidan stated.
During his Kyiv visit, Fidan emphasized strengthening bilateral ties. "Relations with Ukraine, our strategic partner, can be deepened further in many areas. Before the war, we had strong relations with Ukraine in the economic field," he said.
"We want to contribute to Ukraine's reconstruction. Similarly, we want to continue our cooperation in the defense industry and work together in energy security," Fidan stated.
Regarding Crimean Tatars, he said: "We closely follow developments related to our Crimean Tatar compatriots and the situation in Crimea, who form a historical bond and bridge between Ukraine and us. Türkiye will always support Crimean Tatars."
"Discussions about European security in the context of the war in Ukraine need to be addressed within a broader framework," Fidan emphasized.
"Currently, the side experiencing the problem, the difficulty, the occupation is Ukraine. We must not forget that either," he noted.
Fidan stressed that the historical struggle between Russia and the West can be changed, stating: "The ongoing historical struggle between Russia and the West actually does not have a historical necessity and this situation can be changed."
"But we as Türkiye have always maintained this focus: The cities destroyed in the war are Ukrainian cities; the people who die are Ukrainian soldiers. Therefore, we need to stop the destructive effect of this war as soon as possible," Fidan emphasized.
"With a regional ownership approach, we want the war between Ukraine and Russia to end in a just and lasting manner as soon as possible. I hope that my Kyiv visit will enable us to succeed in both issues," he concluded.
Fidan also referenced his separate telephone conversations with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdurrahman Al Thani and Hamas Political Bureau members regarding the latest Gaza "temporary cease-fire" proposal presented by U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East Special Representative Steve Witkoff, noting that the parties are currently evaluating this proposal.
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