Kyiv: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced on Thursday that potential discussions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin may occur in Trkiye, as part of ongoing efforts to bring an end to the conflict. This statement was made during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Kyiv.

According to Anadolu Agency, Sybiha emphasized that direct talks at the highest level could advance efforts toward ending the war. He expressed his belief that a summit of leaders could introduce new momentum into the peace process. Sybiha commended Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's diplomatic efforts and highlighted Ankara's role as a key player in global diplomacy. He stressed the importance of using diplomacy to negotiate an end to the war and mentioned that Ukraine was ready for a ceasefire, although maintaining sovereignty and territorial integrity remains non-negotiable for Kyiv.

In addition to addressing the potential peace talks, Sybiha highlighted recent developments in bilateral relations between Ukraine and Trkiye. He noted the Ukrainian parliament's ratification of the Trkiye-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a historic step that is expected to boost annual bilateral trade. Trkiye currently stands as Ukraine's third-largest trading partner. Sybiha also reflected on the significance of the NATO summit held in Ankara, where an assistance package for Ukraine was announced, underscoring its importance for Kyiv.

The foreign ministers also explored the idea of a Trkiye-Ukraine-Syria trilateral cooperation mechanism during their discussions. On the topic of Black Sea security, Sybiha pointed out the deterioration of the region's security architecture since Russia's annexation of Crimea. He recognized Trkiye's critical role in ensuring navigation freedom and security in the Black Sea, identifying it as NATO's strongest country in this regard due to its presence and naval fleet in the area.