FOREIGN MINISTER OF UKRAINE, ANDRII SYBIHA [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L0bchAK90k

FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FİDAN- Dear members of the press, I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to my esteemed counterpart and friend of Türkiye H.E. Minister Andrii Sybiha for the warm hospitality he extended to us. He is a statesman who served as Ambassador of Ukraine to Ankara for a long time and made great contributions to the relations between the two countries. Thanks to his contributions in bilateral relations, we find a very positive and favourable environment for accelerating progress on the issues between us.

As you know, I was here last May as well, and we had another press conference in your presence. We assessed the relations between the two countries but of course, the most important, the number one topic was the ongoing war and and the questions of “what can be done for the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine in this war?”, and “How can we achieve peace?”. We discussed these matters. Unfortunately, we are here today under the same circumstances. While witnessing the destruction and the consequences of the war, we also observe with respect the resilience and the solidarity demonstrated by the Ukrainian people. It is our greatest wish as a nation that this suffering comes to an end as soon as possible. On this occasion, I would like to reaffirm our support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty.

In today’s meeting, we extensively discussed the efforts to end the war with my esteemed counterpart. Unfortunately, the recent developments are concerning. While the diplomatic efforts have stalled, we see that the conflicts are intensifying even more. We are especially concerned because of the recent increasing attacks on civil infrastructure and settlements. We believe it is essential to return to the negotiating table without delay and to resolutely continue the search for a diplomatic solution.

Dear members of the press, today’s meeting holds special significance as it takes place shortly after the NATO Ankara Summit, which we hosted recently. During the NATO Summit, strong messages were conveyed regarding the continuation of support for Ukraine as allies. Türkiye has been providing both political and military support to Ukraine since the first day of the war. As our President stated in the NATO Leaders’ Session, we will continue to contribute to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List as Türkiye. Following the Summit, as you know, I participated in the Leaders’ Summit of the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine in Paris on behalf of our President earlier this week. There, we also had the opportunity to discuss various aspects of our support for Ukraine with our interlocutors. As you know, Türkiye has maintained its direct contacts with both sides since the beginning of the war. During my visit to Moscow last month, we once again conveyed our calls for the war to be brought to an end as quickly as possible through peaceful means, and we also had the opportunity to hear their views. In the period ahead, we will continue to step up our direct diplomatic efforts, including hosting the negotiations again.

Dear members of the press, as we pointed out since the start of the war, the risk of the conflict spreading remains a serious threat, and we are witnessing these escalations in various forms. Developments that endanger the security of the Black Sea, raise these concerns even more. As we have emphasised on every occasion, we clearly do not want this war to spread to the Black Sea. It is imperative to protect the tranquillity in the Black Sea. Targeting the ports, tankers and fishing boats and putting the civilians’ lives at risk is simply unacceptable. In this respect, we once again emphasise here that all parties must act with common sense and responsibility.

Meanwhile, our bilateral relations with Ukraine are deepening day by day. Turkish companies are continuing their operations in Ukraine despite the ongoing war. We are certain that our companies will continue to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and economic development, particularly in the area of reconstruction, also in the post-war period. In this framework, as my esteemed counterpart just mentioned, we welcome with great satisfaction that the Free Trade Agreement signed between Ukraine and Türkiye in 2022 was approved in the Ukrainian Parliament and entered into force a day before my visit. I would like to extend my thanks to my esteemed counterpart for his contributions. With this agreement, I believe that our already dynamic trade cooperation will be taken to a much higher level, and in fact, the economic relations between Türkiye and Ukraine will be raised to even a strategic level in the post-war period; it will present significant opportunities not only between the two countries, but also for the region and for our other trading partners beyond our region, by utilising connectivity opportunities. After all, Ukraine is a country with vast agricultural lands and industrial areas. Türkiye also has similar capabilities, talents and means. It is clear that if these are utilized effectively through cooperation, they will generate truly immense economic potential. I believe that our trade volume which reached $6.6 billion as of 2025 despite the war conditions will hopefully rise to much higher levels after the war, thanks to the Free Trade Agreement as well.

Furthermore, we also place great importance on advancing our cooperation in the energy and transportation sectors. We believe that the most reliable and effective way to support Ukraine’s energy security and supply of goods is to benefit from Türkiye’s advanced infrastructure. Our Ukrainian friends are also aware of this. We will continue working in this direction in cooperation with other partners in the region.

As you know, our Crimean Tatar cognates, who serve as a bridge between the two countries in our relations with Ukraine, hold a special place for us. We have maintained our principled stance on the illegal annexation of Crimea from the very beginning and have been closely monitoring the recent developments in the region. On this occasion, I would like to emphasise once again that Türkiye will always stand behind our Crimean Tatar cognates.

Dear members of the press, today my counterpart and I had the opportunity to discuss not only the ongoing war and bilateral relations, but going beyond these topics to address questions such as, “What is happening in the Middle East? Are negotiations currently underway in Iran or not? Is the war about to resume or not?” As he stated, we had the opportunity to assess the participation of Ukraine in the trade routes to the Gulf including Syria and how we can utilise these opportunities with this new connectivity together.

Türkiye will continue to steadfastly pursue its pioneering and effective efforts to achieve a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine based on international law hereafter.

As I conclude my remarks, I would like to extend my thanks to my dear friend and counterpart Mr. Sybiha for the warm hospitality he’s extended to us in your presence once again. Thank you all once again for your attention.

QUESTION- Mr. Minister Hakan Fidan, I have a question for you.

Türkiye has expressed many times that it is ready to host a new round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. After today's meetings, have you gotten any closer to that goal?

Minister Sybiha, I have a question for you as well. From Ukraine’s perspective, which conditions need to be met for the negotiations with Russia to be realistic?

Thank you.

FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FİDAN- Dear friends, this is an important question. As you know, our President has maintained a very principled stance since the beginning of this war, and we have also made this the cornerstone of our foreign policy. The principle that “There are no winners in war, and no losers in peace” essentially reflects his vision. Of course, the reasons for the outbreak of this war are extremely complicated and in particular, the fact that Ukraine’s territorial integrity is under threat and that Ukraine is engaged in a just resistance takes the war to a different level. Now, in the 21st century, there is no justification for a conventional war in Europe to continue for five years in an increasingly destructive manner. This is a war that also poses an increasingly greater risk of escalation. Both geographically, as new targets are included unfortunately with a shift towards infrastructures and also, God forbid, new variations of guns being deployed, the risk of war spreading increases. Therefore, we need peace more than ever.

While we continue to support Ukraine, and on the other hand increasing our contacts in regard to peace with both parties as a small number of countries, we put serious effort into “what can be done.” I would like to extend my honest and sincere thanks to them for sharing their views with me. During my visit to Moscow, I had the opportunity to hear sincere views from the Russian perspective. Here, we had the opportunity to share our analysis with our American counterparts since as you know, they also are also involved in mediation efforts. We are sharing our observations with both sides. How can we break out of this vicious circle? We are currently seeking new strategic approaches to address this. There are some new ideas, we discuss them in detail. But I want to say this: I believe it would be very beneficial for Türkiye-mediated Istanbul talks on the Russia-Ukraine war to continue under the same framework, Dear friends, when you look at the Istanbul format, very productive meetings were held, in which parties’ authorities from various branches came together to ensure transparency both within their own organizations and among themselves, including direct negotiations. The continuity of such talks without interruption is important. The fact that the war is ongoing does not mean negotiations in this format cannot continue. Of course, after the Istanbul talks, as you know, US negotiators became involved in an effort to determine what could be done to achieve a more final and tangible outcome. But as of today, the war is still ongoing, and the risk of escalation is increasing. We will continue our efforts because someone needs to. Both sides have officially stated that there is a need for peace and a ceasefire. This is emphasized by other actors supporting the parties, by the Europeans, the Americans, and China alike. Therefore, an issue that involves such a strong international commitment and will must eventually be put into practice at some point. Some blockages need to be overcome. This is exactly where Türkiye comes in; by playing both an intellectual and strategic role in overcoming this impasse, as well as by putting these efforts into practice, I believe, hopefully, that good things will happen in the near future.I would also like to extend my thanks to all parties who made efforts and contributed to peace here.

FOREIGN MINISTER ANDRII SYBIHA- [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L0bchAK90k&t=21m21s

QUESTION- [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION] My question is directed to both ministers, regarding the Russian attacks. Mr. Andrii, what is Ukraine’s perspective on Black Sea security, especially considering Russia’s ongoing attacks?

And Mr. Fidan, we see that Russia is targeting ports and Turkish-flagged ships in the Black Sea. Are there any signals to the Russian Federation regarding this issue? Is there any situation that would stop this crime from being committed? Is Türkiye considering deploying its own armed forces to Ukraine as part of its peaceful efforts? You mentioned the Crimean Tatars, unfortunately Crimean Tatars are being subjected to severe persecution by Russia and international law is being seriously violated at this point. Of course, the Crimean Tatars could relocate to safer places, but this wouldn’t lead to justice in regard to the persecution that has been going on for hundreds of years, this is not a solution. What is your assessment?

FOREIGN MINISTER ANDRII SYBIHA- [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION]

https://www.youtube.com/live/7L0bchAK90k?si=Gh1nYVxgMUQeQJmu&t=1561

FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FİDAN- Dear members of the press, as I have expressed in my speech, Safety of navigation and commercial security in the Black Sea are of vital importance. I discussed this with the Russian side during my visit to Moscow and also with my esteemed counterpart here. I will raise the issue again in the meetings I will hold throughout the day today. This is an important issue for us and for all Black Sea countries.

Essentially, as you know, as the war was ongoing, both we and the United Nations made a proposal: The war continues in all fields, but let’s separate two fields from here and make parties adhere to a certain commitment. What were those fields? Energy security and safety of navigation in the Black Sea, along with ensuring grain security. As you know, a partial success was achieved in this area two years ago with the Grain Agreement, and during that time, Ukrainian grain was able to reach global markets freely. This not only affected prices, but also made very significant contribution to the food security in various places including Africa. It is clearly concerning that the safety of navigation in the Black Sea is completely vanished because of the escalation of the war. Our primary objective is to end the war but if this isn’t possible, then in several critical areas important for Ukraine, Russia and all countries, a war moratorium could be declared and those targets could be spared. What are they? Black Sea security and energy security. Our alternative proposals on these issues remain on the table for the parties' consideration. The Ukrainian side shares a serious common understanding with us on this matter

On the other hand, “what can be Türkiye’s possible military contributions” question was directed. I would like to state the following: As you know, one of the most important pillars of a potential peace agreement, in the documents currently under discussion, is security guarantees, specifically security guarantees to Ukraine. As you know, these security guarantees include land, sea and air components. Türkiye has agreed to lead the maritime component, we are in consensus with our allies on this matter. Planning efforts on this issue are also being carried out by the naval forces of the relevant allied countries.

Another question was about Crimea. As you know, our stance on the Crimean issue has been clear from the very beginning. The Crimean issue is of vital importance to us, both in terms of our foreign policy and domestic policy. The Crimean Tatars are part of the Turkic world. Not only we, but all Turkic states are deeply concerned about this issue. In this respect, we will continue to do everything we can for Crimean Tatars to have their rights back. As you said, the existence of certain acts of unlawfulness affects us deeply. We know that some Crimean Tatar leaders are in prison, and our negotiations with Russian side continue to secure their release.

QUESTION- First of all, I would like to sincerely thank the Ukrainian government and the Ukrainian people for hosting us so graciously during these difficult times. You are truly going through tough times. Last night, we were awakened late at night by the sound of an explosion at the hotel where we were staying, and we saw the situation, it’s something we’ve experienced ourselves. So, I would like to once again offer our get-well wishes.

Now, following the NATO Summit and the recent diplomatic contacts in Paris, our Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan continues to maintain Türkiye’s active diplomacy initiative. We’re all aware that we are here to create a new diplomatic opportunity or a basis for negotiations that could bring Ukraine a step closer to peace. Will Ukraine adopt a new approach especially in terms of territorial integrity? How do you assess Türkiye’s role as a mediator in such a process? To put it more concretely, at this stage, could a new agreement or a new framework for negotiations, the “Istanbul process,” as our Foreign Minister put it, begin? Are you ready for that? Particularly on the issue of territorial integrity, while the term “concessions” might not be entirely correct, could you adopt a new approach?

Lastly, I would like to ask Mr. Hakan Fidan, our Foreign Minister: Compared to a year ago, do you think we are closer today to a ceasefire or a lasting peace agreement? Or let me put it this way: In your opinion, what is the biggest obstacle to lasting peace or a ceasefire? Lastly, I would like to open a parenthesis here: you’ve discussed the safety of navigation in the Black Sea, but approximately an hour ago, there was some news about two tankers belonging to Russian ships, described as shadow fleet, had been struck by Ukraine’s national security units. Of course, it is absolutely crucial that both sides prioritize navigation safety in the Black Sea, I also wanted to underline that.

I would like to extend my thanks once again for your warm hospitality.

FOREIGN MINISTER OF UKRAINE, ANDRII SYBIHA [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION]

https://www.youtube.com/live/7L0bchAK90k?si=VyoDNMt35t1LlNn-&t=2110

FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FİDAN- Dear friends, I have visited the region at regular intervals since the beginning of the war. Unfortunately, as we have gained experience from observing, analysing, and to some extent being directly involved in wars, we are particularly concerned to see the very scenarios we had analysed as possible in worst-case situations actually becoming reality. The war is spreading to some degree, as I have expressed just now. This is getting more and more concerning for us. But on the other hand, after everything that could be done in the war has now been done and that after all available means have been exhausted, the parties have reached a point where they are psychologically ready for a ceasefire. As the saying goes, “the darkest moment of the night is just before dawn. We hope that the destructive stage the war has now reached will prove to be the precursor of a nearby peace and ceasefire,

QUESTION- [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION] I have a question for Mr. Sybiha. In which areas do you think the defence industry partnership with Türkiye could be further expanded?

Mr. Fidan, you were in Moscow a month ago. To what extend do you think Russia is ready to negotiate and in which conditions they can start these negotiations? What have you heard from the Russian side?

FOREIGN MINISTER OF UKRAINE, ANDRII SYBIHA [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION]

https://www.youtube.com/live/7L0bchAK90k?si=aRKmb58Ia7u8WUWc&t=2355

FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FİDAN- During my meetings in Moscow, especially with Mr. Putin and Mr. Lavrov, they expressed that they were ready for negotiations at the highest possible level and they would accept any form of contact essentially made for this purpose. Of course, there are two points here: First, “where do you stand on direct or indirect talks?” As you know, up until today, with the exception of the leaders, Mr. Zelenskyy and Mr. Putin, both sides have never refused to come together, whether through Türkiye's mediation or that of the United States, and this will continue. Now, being prepared for this kind of communication and contact is truly an important issue in terms of negotiations. But even more important than that is, “where you stand in terms of your negotiating position.” I also directed this question to Mr. Putin. He stated that they still stand behind the general framework agreed upon with the U.S. in Alaska, that is, the general framework they have declared there. Of course, there are issues here that are unacceptable for Ukraine. The question is how this general framework can evolve under the current conditions and what it can become. That is precisely what negotiators should be working on at the moment. I observed on both sides that not only Russia and Ukraine, but the international community as a whole urgently need a ceasefire, a peace agreement. And we will continue to do everything we can to make this possible.

* Deciphered by Interpress- unofficial translation from the Turkish text.