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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said negotiations between Russia and Ukraine may continue, as both parties recognize the value of engaging in dialogue.
“Our expectation is that there will be another round. Because both sides see that coming together brings benefit,” Fidan said in an interview on Turkish state broadcaster TRT Haber.
Fidan emphasized that Türkiye's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war has remained unchanged since the beginning and reiterated that Ankara does not want conflict in the region. He noted the war has claimed and injured more than 1 million lives, destroyed major cities, and paralyzed the regional economy.
He warned the war, now nearing its fourth year, risks further escalation.
“It’s not just two countries; other countries behind them have also taken sides. This is turning into a more global war,” he said. “From the beginning, we have made efforts to stop this war exactly for this reason. This is not just a war between two countries—it’s a war involving the countries that back them, with the risk of global spread.”
Fidan highlighted Türkiye’s past initiatives, including the Black Sea Grain Deal, the March 2022 peace talks, and multiple prisoner exchanges. He said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has persistently urged both parties to pursue peace.
He noted that following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, there were renewed calls for a cease-fire and a clearer demonstration of intent from both Russia and Ukraine. Türkiye, drawing on its diplomatic experience, facilitated the first round of talks between the parties in Istanbul on May 16.
During that meeting, an agreement was reached on a prisoner exchange, the parties committed to drafting a working document on cease-fire terms, and initial discussions were held regarding a possible leaders' summit, Fidan said.
Fidan also referenced his own diplomatic visits to Kyiv and Moscow, noting that Ankara is actively supporting the process toward cease-fire and peace.
In the May 16 meeting, he said both delegations arrived well-prepared, and talks took place in a constructive environment. Another prisoner exchange was agreed upon, this time potentially involving more than 1,000 individuals.
Istanbul hosted the second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks on Monday (June 2), after the first one on May 16. This time, the two sides agreed to exchange more prisoners of war, focusing on the youngest and most severely wounded, and return the bodies of 6,000 dead soldiers from each side.
Fidan said both Russia and Ukraine presented documents outlining their respective conditions for a cease-fire, and shared views on a possible leaders' summit. There was consensus to hold further talks in a next phase.
Commenting on the atmosphere of the talks, Fidan said: “The talks did not involve harsh arguments and a solid negotiation took place. Considering the current conditions and the psychologically overwhelming atmosphere, the war psychology—it was really the best level of meeting that could be held.”
He added: “What matters is not to leave the table and to continue the stance toward cease-fire and peace. That’s our recommendation to the parties. It doesn’t matter whether this table is in Türkiye or not. But these parties need to continue coming together and talking around a table.”
On the possibility of hosting a leaders summit in Türkiye, Fidan said President Erdogan has expressed willingness to do so.
Referring to President Erdogan, “Frankly, there’s no other name whom all three leaders simultaneously know, trust, and rely on. A location can be found, but in terms of political leadership and global presence, there is no other leader who has demonstrated such a stance, tested through years of tough struggles, recognized for honesty, reliability, and the professionalism of the institutions he leads,” he said.
He said Erdogan conveyed this readiness during visits to Kyiv and Moscow, but emphasized that some groundwork needs to be completed before any face-to-face meeting among the leaders.
“If they (Russia and Ukraine) meet a few more times and the matter is brought to a certain point, then a meeting between the leaders will become inevitable,” Fidan said.
Fidan also addressed differing international approaches to the conflict and said there are actors who reject Russia’s strategic ambitions and its attempt to form an alternative global order.
Under former U.S. President Joe Biden, the United States provided military and financial assistance to Ukraine. However, Fidan noted those packages are set to expire in the coming months.
He said the direction of the war could shift based on future decisions by President Trump once those supports conclude.
Fidan added that he had phone conversations with Trump’s Special Representative Steve Witkoff and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding issues related to Russia-Ukraine, Iran, and Gaza.
He said he discussed Türkiye’s assessment of the last two Russia-Ukraine meetings with Rubio, who also shared his views, and confirmed that cooperation on this front will continue.
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