Putin, Turkish FM Fidan Discuss Ukraine War Peace Efforts in Moscow

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss recent initiatives aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine and developments following the Istanbul peace talks held earlier in May. The talks also covered bilateral relations, including economic and energy cooperation. Fidan met with Russia’s chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky and was scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Turkey, a NATO member, reiterated its offer to host future negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and maintain its role as a mediator. While no dates or venues have been agreed upon, other potential hosts mentioned include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. Fidan is also expected to travel to Kyiv to meet Ukrainian officials and discuss the outcomes of the Istanbul discussions.