May 30, 2025 — Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the potential of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, stating that the recent talks held in Istanbul demonstrated that such discussions can lead to tangible outcomes. Speaking at a joint press conference in Kyiv alongside Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Fidan highlighted the significance of the May 16 negotiations, which resulted in a substantial prisoner exchange, as evidence of progress through dialogue.
“We have proven that negotiations can yield concrete results,” Fidan asserted, referencing the successful exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side following the Istanbul talks. He expressed hope that the momentum gained would continue, with both parties working towards a lasting peace.
Turkey proposes high-level summit in Istanbul
The Turkish minister’s visit to Kyiv follows his earlier trip to Moscow, where he engaged in discussions with Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Fidan conveyed Turkey’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between the conflicting parties and reiterated Ankara’s readiness to host further negotiations.
Looking ahead, Fidan proposed the idea of a high-level summit in Istanbul, bringing together President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, U.S. President Donald Trump, President Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He suggested that such a meeting could serve as a culmination of the ongoing diplomatic efforts and potentially pave the way for a comprehensive peace agreement.
Ukraine insists on clear peace terms from Moscow
However, the path to renewed talks faces challenges. Ukraine has expressed its willingness to resume negotiations but insists on receiving a detailed memorandum from Russia outlining its peace proposals before committing to further discussions. Foreign Minister Sybiha emphasized the importance of having clear terms to ensure meaningful and substantive talks.
In response, the Kremlin has indicated its readiness to engage in the next round of negotiations, scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul. Nevertheless, Russia has yet to provide the requested documentation, leading to uncertainty about Ukraine’s participation.
Turkey reaffirms commitment to peace diplomacy
The international community, including the United States, continues to monitor the situation closely. U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg has acknowledged Russia’s concerns regarding NATO expansion and has reiterated that the U.S. does not support Ukraine’s membership in the alliance. This stance aligns with one of Russia’s key demands in the peace talks.
As the conflict approaches a critical juncture, with both sides exploring diplomatic avenues, the upcoming talks in Istanbul hold significant implications for the future of the region. Turkey’s active role in mediating the discussions underscores its commitment to fostering stability and peace in the region.
