Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, on Saturday to discuss ongoing efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, focusing on the recent Alaska summit between U.S. and Russian presidents, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.

During the conversation, Fidan emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved through a process that includes Ukraine. He highlighted the importance of an upcoming meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump, scheduled for August 18 in Washington, DC. Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting diplomatic initiatives and expressed readiness to play a role in facilitating peace.

Earlier the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also held discussions with Fidan, at Türkiye’s initiative, as well as with his Hungarian counterpart, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. The talks followed the Alaska summit on August 15, which failed to produce an agreement to end the conflict. The Russian ministry noted that Lavrov and Fidan exchanged views on the outcomes of the U.S.-Russia meeting.

Türkiye, a NATO member, has maintained open diplomatic channels with both Russia and Ukraine throughout the conflict, positioning itself as a partner and potential mediator in the peace process. (ILKHA)