Kyiv: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced Turkey’s intention to facilitate a summit involving leaders Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Donald Trump in Istanbul. The discussions are set to advance next week, with Russia and Ukraine expected to finalize technical issues during talks in Istanbul aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Fidan expressed at a press conference in Kyiv that Ankara is keen to host a summit featuring the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, followed by a meeting with the Turkish and US presidents. The Kremlin has maintained that a meeting between Putin and Zelensky will only occur after successful outcomes are achieved in negotiations with Ukraine.

Fidan noted that the earlier talks on May 16, held in Istanbul, marked the first direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine in three years, signifying a fresh start that could pave the way for additional meetings. He stressed the mutual desire for a ceasefire, highlighting the need to reconcile differing demands through negotiation and mediation.

Additionally, Fidan held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. He conveyed optimism that the Istanbul negotiations might lead to a significant summit involving US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the host.