Fidan: Russia-Ukraine War Has Become a Global Conflict, Ceasefire Talks Show Progress

In an exclusive interview with TRT News, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the Russia-Ukraine war, now entering its fourth year, has evolved beyond a regional conflict into a global crisis, due to deep international involvement.

Fidan Reiterates Türkiye’s Mediation Role and Anti-War Stance

Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye’s longstanding position against war, emphasizing the humanitarian and economic devastation inflicted by the conflict. “More than a million people have been killed or wounded, and entire cities have been reduced to rubble,” he said.

Highlighting Ankara’s diplomatic efforts, Fidan cited the 2022 Istanbul peace talks, the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and multiple prisoner swaps as key examples of Türkiye’s active involvement in facilitating peace.

June 2 Talks Yield New Prisoner Exchange Deal

Fidan revealed that the June 2 ceasefire meeting—hosted in a “positive and constructive spirit”—resulted in a new prisoner exchange agreement involving over 1,000 individuals.

Both Russia and Ukraine presented draft documents outlining their respective ceasefire conditions. The two delegations reportedly exchanged views on a potential summit between their leaders, agreeing to convene again for a subsequent round of discussions.

Erdoğan Seen as Key Figure for Mediation

Fidan emphasized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s unique position as a globally respected mediator, noting that he is the only leader trusted by both Russia and Ukraine.

“Finding a venue is not difficult,” Fidan said. “What matters is that the leaders remain engaged and return to the negotiation table. Whether the talks happen in Türkiye or elsewhere is secondary. The essential point is continuity in dialogue.”

Fidan added: “President Erdoğan, as a political figure tested by years of international crisis management and known for his honesty and institutional strength, is unmatched in his ability to host such a summit.”

Face-to-Face Meeting ‘Inevitable’ If Talks Progress

According to Fidan, a direct meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy will become inevitable if diplomatic progress continues.

He also commented on U.S. involvement, stating that military aid under President Joe Biden is still ongoing but could taper off within a few months. He noted that former President Donald Trump’s potential return to office could significantly reshape the trajectory of the conflict.

Call With U.S. Secretary Marco Rubio

Fidan confirmed holding a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, during which both sides discussed the outcomes of the latest peace talks in Istanbul and Türkiye’s continued diplomatic initiatives toward securing a ceasefire.