Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has commended Türkiye for its diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. This acknowledgment came during a meeting in Kyiv with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, where Zelenskyy awarded Fidan the Order of Merit, Second Class, as a token of appreciation for Türkiye’s support in peace initiatives.
The dialogue between Zelenskyy and Fidan focused on the current diplomatic landscape, the battlefield situation, and strategies to restart peace negotiations. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s ongoing mediation and highlighted the potential for enhanced collaboration, particularly with the implementation of the newly ratified Ukraine-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement.
Throughout the conflict, Türkiye has played a unique role by maintaining a balanced relationship with both Ukraine and Russia. It has facilitated crucial initiatives, including hosting peace talks in Istanbul, supporting prisoner exchanges, and spearheading the Black Sea grain initiative. Fidan reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to the “Istanbul format” of negotiations and expressed readiness to host future peace talks.
Furthermore, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha conveyed that President Zelenskyy is open to the possibility of meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye, should the conditions become favorable. This openness underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts to find a resolution to the conflict.