Turkish Foreign Minister Calls Russia-Ukraine Third Round Negotiations Constructive And Result-oriented

JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the main goal of Russia-Ukraine negotiations was to build a path to peace through a ceasefire, when opening a meeting of the delegations of the two countries at the Ciragan Palace, Istanbul on Wednesday.

In yesterday's negotiations, Ukraine urged a comprehensive ceasefire for 30 days accompanied by full territorial restoration and security guarantees, while Russia seeks a long-term peace framework on the condition that Ukraine does not side with NATO and the lifting of Western sanctions.

Both sides submitted an updated ceasefire proposal, delegating a technical team to fine-tune the provisions before further discussions.

Foreign Minister Fidan stressed the urgent need for "concrete measures" to end hostilities that have destroyed Ukraine's infrastructure and caused significant losses to the Russian economy, quoted by the Daily Sabah on July 24.

Humanitarian issues, including the exchange of prisoners and the repatriation of Ukrainian children who were forcibly brought to Russia, became the core of dialogue.

As part of our sustained efforts to establish lasting peace and stability in the region, we hosted the third round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul.

We extend our sincere appreciation to both parties for the confidence they have placed in President Erdoğan… pic.twitter.com/FpLV5Ceg54

— Hakan Fidan (@HakanFidan) July 23, 2025

As part of our contained efforts to survive last peace and stability in the region, we hosted the third round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul.

We extend our relationship to both parties for the confidence they have placed in President Erdobulan... pic.twitter.com/FplV5Ceg54

Based on the 1,000 exchange for 1,000 detainees earlier this year, Ukraine proposed an expansion of the exchange to include injured soldiers and young military service, with a return target of up to 6,000 prisoners.

Russia agreed to review these proposals, with both sides reaffirming its commitment to ease human suffering.

The security of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is also in the spotlight, with an agreement to continue demilitarized negotiations to reduce the risk of potential disasters.

Another important topic is the summit of potential leaders, which is planned to bring together Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and perhaps US President Donald Trump in Turkey later this summer.

Foreign Minister Fidan described the summit as a "critical step" to elevate peace negotiations to the highest level, highlighting President Erdoyan's trust in leaders.

Foreign Minister Fidan also expressed careful optimism, stating, "Peace may occur if both sides remain committed to dialogue."

In his post on Twitter, Foreign Minister Fidan said, "We express our sincere appreciation to both sides for the trust they have given President Erdoungan and Turkey."

"Overall, discussions reflect a constructive and outcome-oriented direction, which is an encouraging development," he wrote.

"The negotiation process requires patience. Every gradual achievement brings both parties closer to peace. Today's progress is a further step towards consolidating a common desire to achieve a resolution," said Foreign Minister Fidan.