Hakan Fidan and Lavrov meet in Ankara: Will Turkey act as a mediator in Ukraine?

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov paid an official visit to Ankara on the anniversary of the Ukraine War. Lavrov met with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and held a joint press conference. During the meeting, economic relations between the two countries were discussed, alongside the Ukraine crisis and regional security issues.

Fidan emphasized that Turkey has supported a diplomatic solution since the beginning of the war. Addressing the activities of terrorist organizations in Syria, Fidan reiterated that Turkey is working for lasting peace in the region.

Stating that the peace initiative launched by the US aligns with Turkey's policy, Fidan said, 'We attach great importance to this initiative as a result-oriented approach.' Drawing attention to the global impacts of the war, Fidan added, 'The war is negatively affecting different geographies. A lasting solution must be reached.'

Expressing that Turkey is ready to host peace talks, Fidan stated the following:

'We are determined to take every step that will contribute to peace. We are closely following the issue of security guarantees. We cannot tolerate terrorist organizations nesting in Syria. We expect everyone to respect Turkey's security concerns.'

RUSSIA'S CONDITIONS FOR UKRAINE

Lavrov announced the preconditions for ending the Ukraine War. Stating that practices such as the banning of the Russian language in Ukraine were influential in the start of the war, Lavrov announced that Ukraine's NATO membership must be prevented.

Accusing the Kiev administration of adopting an anti-Russian stance, Lavrov said:

'If Ukraine's membership in NATO is prevented, the war will stop. A lasting solution is not possible without this step being taken. The Nazi regime tried to destroy the century-old Russian presence by banning the Russian language. Crimea made its own decision due to these pressures.'

Making statements regarding the security of the TurkStream natural gas pipeline, Lavrov said, 'The Kiev regime is trying to disable these pipelines by carrying out terrorist attacks against them.'

Touching upon the talks Russia is conducting with the US, Lavrov claimed that the US supports separatist groups in northern Syria and added the following:

'Different views emerged during the talks in Riyadh. We will continue our discussions with our American partners. The US is pursuing the creation of a so-called state. This situation threatens stability in the region.'

News Source: 12punto