Will four leaders meet in Istanbul? Critical statement from Fidan

Statements continue to arrive regarding the Russia-Ukraine negotiations expected to take place in Istanbul on June 2. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made remarks regarding the Russia-Ukraine talks. Minister Fidan said, "We are of the opinion that it is possible to hold the next round based on the decisions in principle taken by the parties in Istanbul. Therefore, I would like to express that we are ready for subsequent meetings."

In his statement, Minister Fidan included the following remarks: "We assess that it may be possible to crown the talks held in Istanbul with a meeting of Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy, hosted by Mr. Erdoğan."

Highlights from Minister Fidan's statements are as follows:

"The talks held in Istanbul have added a new dimension to the search for diplomatic solutions. Expectations for a ceasefire and peace have increased. We consider the Istanbul talks as a new beginning.

We have proven that the negotiations can yield concrete results with the rapid completion of the exchange agreement reached in Istanbul. We want the momentum gained in Istanbul to continue. Rather than where the negotiations are held, we are focusing on ending the destruction and humanitarian tragedy caused by the war.

We are of the opinion that it is possible to hold the next round based on the decisions in principle taken by the parties in Istanbul. Therefore, I would like to express that we are ready for subsequent meetings.

In the next stage, we assess that it may be possible to crown the talks held in Istanbul with a meeting of the 4 leaders—Mr. Trump, Mr. Putin, and Mr. Zelenskyy—hosted by Mr. Erdoğan.

For Turkey, the only way is to urgently reach a fair and lasting peace through dialogue and to end the war. As I pointed out during the negotiations held in Istanbul on May 16, there are two paths before us. Either we will turn a blind eye to this war, or we will reach a lasting peace within this year."