Turkey Reaffirms Offer to Host Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will reiterate Ankara’s willingness to mediate Ukraine-Russia peace talks at a European leaders' meeting in London on Sunday, a Turkish diplomatic source confirmed.

A NATO member, Turkey played a key role in early negotiations following Russia’s 2022 invasion, facilitating a Black Sea grain export deal. Ankara insists any future peace talks must include both Ukraine and Russia. While advocating for a ceasefire since 2024, Turkey has also supported U.S. peace efforts despite recent tensions between Ukraine and the U.S.

Fidan will emphasize Turkey’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and its role as a mediator, reaffirming that Ankara, which hosted direct negotiations in March 2022, is prepared to do so again. He will also stress the need for regional security, stability, and economic prosperity in peace discussions.

Positioned between both nations, Turkey has balanced its relations, providing military aid to Kyiv while refraining from joining Western sanctions against Moscow. Last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited Turkey on the same day U.S. and Russian officials met in Riyadh without Ukraine’s participation.

Recent diplomatic engagements highlight Turkey’s ongoing efforts to mediate. On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Ankara for discussions. Meanwhile, U.S. and Russian delegations met in Istanbul on Thursday to address bilateral diplomatic issues.

Zelenskiy has described Turkey as a key security guarantor for Ukraine, reinforcing Ankara’s strategic role in future peace efforts.