Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on Saturday that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has reached 'its closest point to stopping,' characterizing the war as a costly stalemate for all parties involved.

According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan made these remarks during a live broadcast on Turkish news channel A Haber. He emphasized that European leaders are also eager for the conflict to conclude, describing the current phase as 'its darkest moment.' Both nations are now primarily targeting each other's transportation and energy infrastructure, having reached a deadlock on conventional military fronts, which has shifted the war into a drone-centric battle.

Fidan highlighted the exhausting nature of the conflict for both Moscow and Kyiv, noting that conditions are ripe for a ceasefire and that diplomatic negotiations are ongoing. He stressed the need for the conflict to end, as it has devolved into a war of attrition with neither side making significant gains, but both suffering extensive destruction.

He further noted Europe's indirect yet deep involvement in the conflict through substantial financial and military support, which is accumulating a significant cost. This involvement, according to Fidan, has led to political repercussions for European governments, as several have changed since the onset of the war. He warned that increased defense spending could necessitate further budget cuts, creating unsustainable political and economic pressures.

Fidan expressed concern over the 'massive cost problem,' emphasizing that the human and political toll is becoming unbearable. On the possibility of peace talks, he stated that Trkiye believes a peace table will eventually be established, whether in Trkiye or elsewhere, and that achieving peace is not only necessary but inevitable.