ISTANBUL, July 25, 2025 — Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed cautious optimism on Thursday regarding a possible resolution to the war in Ukraine, contingent on the continuation of direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv.
“If negotiations continue, a light at the end of the tunnel will become visible,” Fidan said during an interview with Turkish broadcaster NTV.
Fidan warned that the ongoing conflict has “very serious regional and global consequences.” Beyond the humanitarian tragedy, he noted, the war threatens to trigger greater international divisions and prolonged military escalation. “It is a costly and complex war in which everything is being used—except nuclear weapons,” he added.
Reflecting on previous rounds of negotiations held in Istanbul, Fidan said there had been preliminary agreement to organize a summit in Turkey. However, he acknowledged that major work remains, given the wide gap between the two sides’ positions.
“Right now, they’re quietly talking, and I sense a willingness to reach a compromise,” the Turkish minister stated. “If this continues, I believe a provisional solution could emerge.”
Fidan’s comments come as Ankara continues its efforts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, seeking to play a constructive role in halting the conflict that has dragged on for more than three years.
