Fidan's remarks came during a press conference on his way to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. He noted that the exchange of 1,000 prisoners between the two sides was a significant step, followed by the two sides' initiative to formulate official positions on the ceasefire and discuss them within the framework of negotiations.
The Turkish minister explained that during his recent visit to Moscow, he informed the Russian leadership of Türkiye's vision regarding the realistic criteria necessary to create a suitable environment for a ceasefire, while also conveying President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's view on the matter.
Fidan emphasized that Turkey is closely monitoring the issue in all its dimensions, acting not only as a mediator but also as a country with a comprehensive vision for achieving peace. He noted that Moscow announced, after the Turkish delegation's departure, its readiness to return to the negotiating table. He noted that the Kremlin is now awaiting a response from the Ukrainian side regarding the possibility of holding a new round of negotiations on June 2 in Istanbul.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said, "Both sides in the war between Russia and Ukraine initially desire a ceasefire, but their demands differ and require mediation efforts to bring their views closer together."
During his visit to Kyiv, Fidan noted that Türkiye continues its diplomatic efforts and plays a significant role in preparing the ground for dialogue, emphasizing that any diplomatic contribution remains less costly than a single day of war.
