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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia must first send a cease-fire memorandum before new rounds of peace negotiations can proceed, during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Kyiv.
"The ball is in Russia's court. The Russian side must make the decision for an unconditional cease-fire. This will also create opportunities for more comprehensive negotiations," Sybiha declared.
The Ukrainian foreign minister emphasized that his country expects a specific document from Russia that was previously promised to international partners.
"We also expect a memorandum as announced by the Russian side. We are waiting for this first. This was also promised to the American side. Therefore, for the planned next meeting to be meaningful and objective, it is important that the document be received in advance and that the departing delegation has the authority to discuss relevant positions," Sybiha stated.
The Ukrainian official noted that recent talks in Türkiye had taken place and emphasized Ukraine's desire for negotiations to continue.
"We want these talks to continue because we want this war to end this year," Sybiha said, referring to the Istanbul negotiations.
Sybiha expressed Ukraine's readiness for cease-fire of varying durations, stating: "Whether it's 30, 50, 100 or however many days," Ukraine is prepared for a cease-fire.
"Ukraine wants to talk about this constantly. We also expressed this directly with Russia in the last meeting between delegations," he added.
The Ukrainian foreign minister noted that they have conveyed their views to the Russian side for continuing peace negotiations while waiting for Moscow's cease-fire memorandum.
Discussing regional security, Sybiha emphasized shared priorities with Türkiye regarding Black Sea stability.
"Especially with the Minister, we addressed the security of the Black Sea. Ukraine and Türkiye have a common stance in this area. The Black Sea should be a sea of peace, free trade and free navigation," Sybiha stated.
The Ukrainian foreign minister highlighted Türkiye's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as backing for the Crimean Tatar people's national struggle.
Sybiha announced significant progress in Ukraine's domestic defense capabilities, reporting substantial increases in weapons production.
"We increased domestic weapons production by 35%," the foreign minister stated, adding that the domestic defense industry now meets approximately 40% of the army's needs.
He noted that Ukraine now produces in one month the amount of artillery ammunition that some countries produce in a year, demonstrating the country's enhanced military production capabilities.
During discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan, Sybiha addressed bilateral cooperation and post-war reconstruction planning.
The Ukrainian foreign minister expressed readiness to support the Turkish business community operating in Ukraine and emphasized the strategic partnership between the two countries based on mutual interest and respect.
Sybiha thanked President Erdogan for his significant efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and noted that President Zelenskyy's recent contacts in Türkiye were productive.
The Ukrainian foreign minister emphasized that pressure on Russia must continue to "force" a ceasefire decision from Moscow.
Sybiha recalled that Ukraine has accepted the full and unconditional ceasefire previously proposed by the United States, placing responsibility for the next steps on Russia.
Referring to the Istanbul peace negotiations, Sybiha outlined the topics discussed, including prisoner exchanges, conditions for achieving a cease-fire, and creating appropriate ground for meetings between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents.
The Ukrainian foreign minister indicated that if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin were to meet, they would welcome U.S. President Donald Trump's participation in such discussions.
Sybiha expressed appreciation for Türkiye's mediation role, noting that Minister Fidan's visit to Kyiv following his Moscow meetings demonstrated continued diplomatic efforts.
"We discussed steps that would bring peace closer," Sybiha said about their meeting following Fidan's shuttle diplomacy between Moscow and Kyiv.
The Ukrainian foreign minister emphasized that bilateral relations with Türkiye are built on mutual interests and respect, highlighting the strategic importance of the partnership during wartime.
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