Türkiye urges cease-fire talks in Ukraine during diplomatic forum

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expresses optimism for cease-fire negotiations to ease tensions in the Ukraine crisis

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, concluding the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in southern Türkiye on Sunday, expressed optimism for imminent cease-fire negotiations to alleviate tensions in the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

Fidan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov had conversations about a number of urgent issues at the conference, including the situation in Ukraine. “On the issue of Ukraine, our view is that both sides have reached the limits of what they can get by war,” Fidan said, underscoring the need for discussion. “We think that it is time to start a dialogue for a cease-fire.”

Fidan added, highlighting the need to distinguish between discussions on cease-fire and sovereignty: “That doesn’t mean recognizing the occupation (by Russia), but issues of sovereignty and cease-fire should be discussed separately.”

Türkiye, a NATO member, carefully balances its ties with Russia and Ukraine, given its proximity and strategic interests in the Black Sea region. Despite providing military support to Ukraine and endorsing its territorial integrity, Ankara refrains from endorsing or commenting on sanctions against Russia.

“The death and injury of more than 500,000 people and the complete destruction of the infrastructure and superstructure of an entire country is not a reality that is bearable for us,” Fidan said, expressing concern over the conflict’s toll on human life as well as the destruction of infrastructure. Fidan emphasized the need for an immediate end to the fighting.

Fidan emphasized the necessity for dialogue and collective acceptance of the need for cessation, stating, “This has to stop somehow. To stop this, there should be some discussions and everybody should get used to this idea.”

Source: Reuters