Türkiye believes continuing the Istanbul talks on the Russia-Ukraine war would be highly beneficial, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said.
“I believe it would be very beneficial for the Türkiye-mediated Istanbul talks on the Russia-Ukraine war to continue under the same framework,” Fidan said on Thursday at a joint news conference in Kiev with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Fidan said Türkiye is exploring new strategic approaches to break the current deadlock, with fresh ideas being discussed with the parties and mediators.
He stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue despite the continuing hostilities.
“The fact that the war is continuing does not mean negotiations in this format cannot continue,” he said.
Fidan said US negotiators had also become involved following the Istanbul talks to explore ways of achieving a more concrete and lasting outcome.
“Unfortunately, as of today, the war is still ongoing, and the risk of escalation is increasing,” he added.
‘Negotiations could take place in Türkiye’
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that Türkiye could host a potential meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We state that negotiations, particularly a possible meeting between President Zelenskyy and Putin, could take place in Türkiye,” he said.
Sybiha said direct talks at the highest level could help advance efforts to end the war.
“I believe only a summit of leaders can inject new momentum into the peace process,” he added.
Türkiye hosted peace talks between Russia and Ukraine during the initial weeks of the war and again in mid-2025.
‘We do not want war to be carried into Black Sea’
Fidan said the risk of the conflict spreading, which Türkiye has warned about since the beginning of the war, remains a serious threat.
He noted tensions have continued to escalate in various ways and that developments threatening the security of the Black Sea have further heightened these concerns.
“We do not want the war to be carried into the Black Sea,” he said. “The targeting of ports, tankers and fishing boats in Black Sea and putting civilians' lives at risk cannot be justified.”
Fidan said one of the key pillars of any potential peace agreement would be security guarantees for Ukraine, covering land, sea and air components.
Regarding Türkiye's role, Fidan said: "Türkiye has agreed to lead the maritime component, and we have a common understanding on this with our allies. Planning efforts on this issue are also being carried out by the naval forces of the relevant allied countries."
