16.05.2025 14:12
The world's attention is focused on Istanbul today for the Russia-Ukraine peace talks. While the first meeting took place between the delegations of Turkey, the USA, and Ukraine, the second meeting between the delegations of Turkey, Russia, and Ukraine, led by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, has also begun.
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The world's eyes and ears are on Istanbul for peace negotiations. Russia and Ukraine are sitting at the same table under Turkey's hosting to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
THE FIRST SUMMIT WAS BETWEEN TURKEY, THE USA, AND UKRAINE
Initially, Turkish, American, and Ukrainian delegations met at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Working Office in Istanbul, chaired by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
The US delegation included the country's Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the US Ambassador to Ankara Tom Barrack, and Keith Kellogg, the US President Donald Trump's Special Representative for Ukraine.
The Ukrainian delegation included Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
THE SECOND MEETING HAS ALSO STARTED
Following the conclusion of the Turkey-USA-Ukraine summit, a meeting began between the Turkish, Russian, and Ukrainian delegations, chaired by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
MINISTER FIDAN'S STRIKING WORDS
Before the second meeting, Minister Fidan stated in front of the cameras, "We are pleased to see that the strong commitments of all parties to peace have opened a new window of opportunity. We find it quite significant that Mr. President and Mr. Trump’s calls for peace have been heard by Mr. Putin and Mr. Zelensky."
"AT THIS STAGE, THERE ARE TWO PATHS"
Emphasizing that Russia and Ukraine's readiness to start direct talks has made this critical stage possible, Minister Fidan said, "As you can appreciate, at this stage, there are two paths. One of the paths will initiate a process that will lead us to peace, while the other will lead to further destruction and loss of life. The parties will decide for themselves, with their own will, which of these paths they will choose. Since the beginning of the war, we have been making intense efforts on how we can end this war."
"THIS MEETING IS A FIRST SINCE MARCH 2022"
Minister Fidan continued, "Our President has also made great efforts to bring the parties together. The visit of Ukrainian President Zelensky to Ankara has been an important step towards initiating negotiations. We are equally pleased to host the Russian delegation participating in the talks. Hosting representatives from both sides in Istanbul demonstrates our strong will to end the war. I want to draw your attention to one point. This meeting is the first direct contact at the level of the parties since March 2022. We must seize this opportunity to move forward on the path to peace. Every day that is delayed causes more lives to be lost."
"TURKEY WILL ALWAYS BE BY YOUR SIDE"
As the war continues to claim lives, it is critically important to implement a ceasefire as soon as possible. There is also an opportunity to achieve a ceasefire simultaneously with the negotiations. I want to emphasize one issue, one event here. We will collectively determine the next stage based on the choices we make and the steps we take. It is also very important that these discussions form the basis of a leaders' meeting. We sincerely believe that it is possible to reach peace through constructive negotiations. I want to emphasize once again; Turkey will always be by your side in our efforts to end the war and achieve peace. We are also ready to provide any possible contribution for peace. Once again, I welcome you all to Istanbul and wish success to the parties and you in the upcoming technical negotiations.
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