Turkey Mediates Talks for Potential Ukraine-Russia Summit
On July 26, 2025, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that discussions during the third round of negotiations in Istanbul focused on conditions for a potential summit involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Both sides expressed a desire for such a meeting, reports 24brussels.
Fidan emphasized the serious regional and global consequences of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. “In addition to the humanitarian tragedy and the immense destruction of cities, we are facing a situation that could lead to an even greater war and division on the international stage. This is a complex and costly war, one which involves everything except nuclear weapons,” he stated.
The minister indicated that during the Istanbul meeting, the Ukrainian and Russian delegations reached a “principle agreement on organizing a summit of leaders in Turkey.” He noted that the negotiating teams still have significant work ahead.
“If this continues, I believe an interim solution will emerge. Not everyone is ready to accept the proposals. We are working on creating the appropriate environment,” Fidan asserted.
Previously, it was reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to hold discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump and President Putin. The agenda will also include the possibility of a meeting between Putin and Zelensky in Istanbul.
