Peace talks for Ukraine may begin in April or May, report suggests
A man walks at the site of shelling, which local officials called a Ukrainian military strike, in Donetsk, Russian-controlled Ukraine, on January 10, 2025. (AFP Photo)
A Turkish media outlet, Hurriyet’s columnist Abdulkadir Selvi, reported that peace talks aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine could commence in April or May, following an initial agreement on a cease-fire.
The report indicates that a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin may precede the negotiations.
Cease-fire expected as a first step
According to the media source, a cease-fire agreement will precede the negotiations, creating the groundwork for peace discussions.
The article emphasized Türkiye’s potential role in the process, emphasizing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s unique ability to engage with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“First, a cease-fire will be announced. Then peace negotiations will begin. Türkiye might take on a mediating role, as President Erdogan can communicate with Putin, Zelenskyy, and now Trump,” the report noted.
Türkiye’s commitment to mediation
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently stated that the Ukraine conflict is nearing a turning point and reiterated Ankara’s readiness to support efforts for resolution. Fidan added Türkiye is willing to undertake a mediating role, as it did during the Istanbul talks in March 2022.
The earlier Istanbul negotiations failed to resolve, with the media outlet suggesting this was because of external influences.
The current circumstances, however, involve leaders like Trump and Putin, who are reportedly inclined toward peace.
Recently, during her visit to Ankara, the EU foreign policy chief told me that the Russia-Ukraine war is about to enter its 4th year. Kallas said, “There is no sign that Putin wants peace right now. We are providing 134 billion euros in support, and we are training 75,000 Ukrainian soldiers, and we are imposing very heavy sanctions on Russia.”
“We all want peace, but we also want it to be sustainable and lasting. I think there is no one who wants peace more than Ukrainians because they are constantly being bombed,” she also said.
Regional cooperation, Türkiye’s role
Türkiye has consistently expressed support for initiatives aimed at achieving a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Ankara has also maintained its readiness to facilitate dialogue between conflicting parties.
