Fidan: Türkiye must be at the negotiation table on Ukraine

Ankara is ready to play a key role in the peace process regarding the Russo-Ukrainian war, said Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in an interview with TRT World.

“But first of all, we need to have a ceasefire. And we need to have a workable, long-term peace plan,” the minister said from the Black Sea peninsular NATO member country.

Fidan said it is crucial to involve all parties to the conflict for a successful peace process. He emphasized that Europe and Türkiye must be included, as their interests are closely linked to the outcome of the war.

Turkiye has also provided Ukraine with various forms of assistance, including military aid, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic support while maintaining a balanced relationship with Kyiv and Moscow. 

Ankara has offered its assistance in organizing negotiations to end the war. Türkiye has the right to participate in the peace process and “could contribute more than many other actors,” Fidan said. 

“This is happening in our immediate neighborhood… And we have close ties on both sides,” he said. 

Ankara believes it is essential to work towards peace, despite the challenges, given the scale of destruction and loss of life.

Asked about potential compromises on Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the minister acknowledged that “bitter choices” would need to be made. 

“In an ideal world, we would like to see that the territorial integrity (of Ukraine) is preserved. But this is a time of war,” he said. 

Fikan added that it will only become clear over time whether U.S. mediation will be enough to achieve a compromise between Russia and Ukraine.

Türkiye views Ukraine as an important international partner and is ready to contribute to the country’s post-war reconstruction.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Türkiye on Feb. 17 for an official visit, during which he will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov also met with his Turkish counterpart there during the visit.

In November, Ankara once again emphasized that the preservation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity is a condition for a just resolution to the Russian-Ukrainian war.