Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha held a crucial meeting in Antalya, Türkiye, focusing on efforts to establish a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and to pursue lasting peace.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of an informal NATO foreign ministers’ gathering, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.
Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to supporting peace initiatives, offering to host mediation and peace talks in Istanbul, scheduled for May 15.
The Turkish FM underscored his country’s readiness to provide all kinds of support – including hosting mediation and peace talks, which is set to do in Istanbul on May 15– to help achieve peace in Ukraine.
Sybiha expressed gratitude for the invitation to Türkiye and shared updates on the situation on the frontlines and in diplomatic channels. He acknowledged Türkiye's critical role in facilitating peace talks, stating, "The epicenter of world diplomacy is now in Türkiye, which is playing an active mediation role. We appreciate it."
In their discussion, Sybiha reiterated Ukraine's steadfast dedication to peace and the resolution of the conflict. He stated, "I reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to peace, our immediate and unconditional readiness for a full and durable ceasefire, as well as our offer of the highest-level direct meeting between Ukraine and Russia."
The meeting also covered preparations for an upcoming visit to Türkiye by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with both sides working towards fostering deeper diplomatic engagement.
On the night of May 11, Vladimir Putin rejected a proposal to halt hostilities but affirmed Russia's readiness to resume talks with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed that Ukraine was open to engaging in dialogue with Moscow, but emphasized that a ceasefire should serve as a prerequisite for any meaningful discussions.
In the wake of this, Türkiye officially confirmed its readiness to mediate the planned meeting.
Additionally, US Special Representative Keith Kellogg underscored that the prospect of negotiations could only materialize once a ceasefire had been successfully implemented.
By Vafa Guliyeva
Source: caliber.az
scorpion.az