(Forelines) – Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkey’s foreign minister met in Moscow to discuss attempts to settle the conflict in Ukraine and developments since direct discussions between the warring sides, according to a Reuters report, quoting Turkish Foreign Ministry source.
During his two-day trip to Moscow, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Putin and Vladimir Medinsky, Russia’s chief negotiator, on Monday, according to the source. On Tuesday, Fidan will meet with Sergei Lavrov, his Russian counterpart, as per the report.
Turkey, a NATO member, has stated repeatedly that it may host future talks between Russia and Ukraine, but no date or venue has been set, reported by Reuters.
For the first time since March 2022, one month after Russia invaded its neighbor, representatives from Kyiv and Moscow met earlier this month in Istanbul. The parties agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war and provide written parameters for a potential ceasefire, but no ceasefire was agreed upon.
“The initiatives taken out recently to terminate the war between Ukraine and Russia, (and) developments following the conversations held in Istanbul,” the Turkish source added, quoted by Reuters was the topic of Putin and Fidan’s meeting.
According to the insider also stated that bilateral energy and economic concerns were discussed, added in a report.
Russia stated on Monday that while bilateral relations would be the primary focus of the discussions, Ukraine would also be covered.
As per Reuters, cting Turkish source had stated that Fidan would restate Ankara’s offer to host the sides and continue to act as a “facilitator” before to the meeting.
Later this week, Fidan is also anticipated to visit Kyiv.
Later this week, Fidan is also anticipated to visit Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian officials and continue the discussions that began in Istanbul.According to Russian sources, they considered Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey as possible locations for negotiations.