Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan believes the Istanbul peace talks mark significant progress.
According to Fidan, Moscow and Kyiv have agreed in principle to a meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky. Fidan’s statement followed the latest round of negotiations hosted by Turkey.
The third round of direct discussions occurred in Istanbul on Wednesday. While a ceasefire wasn’t achieved, progress was made on humanitarian matters, including further POW and civilian exchanges.
Fidan told NTV that leaders discussed the conditions for a potential meeting, adding that a summit in Turkey was preliminarily agreed upon.
Earlier in the week, Fidan highlighted the Istanbul talks as a step toward ending the conflict, noting each achievement brings both sides closer to peace.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the possibility of a Putin-Zelensky meeting is under consideration but should occur only at the final stage of negotiations. He suggested it’s unlikely to happen within the next month.
Russia states its willingness for a diplomatic resolution, provided it addresses the war’s “root causes” and Moscow’s security concerns.
Zelensky has long sought a personal meeting with Putin, a proposal reiterated by Ukrainian negotiators in Istanbul. They consider a one-on-one summit crucial for ending the conflict. Former US President Donald Trump has also supported direct talks as a way to resolve the conflict. Moscow hasn’t dismissed the possibility but insists on necessary groundwork first.
Russia has questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy, citing the expiration of his term in May 2024. Zelensky has declined to hold elections due to martial law, leading Russian officials to argue that agreements signed under his authority could be challenged.
The Kremlin has also demanded Ukraine lift martial law and hold elections within 100 days as a precondition for any long-term ceasefire.