Turkey's FM Hakan Fidan backs Ukraine peace talks, urges Black Sea security

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey will not allow the Russia‑Ukraine war to spread to the Black Sea, warning that attacks on ports, tankers and fishing vessels would endanger civilians. He reiterated Turkey’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and pledged readiness to back any initiative that brings the parties back to the negotiating table. During a recent visit to Kyiv, Fidan met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President‑office chief Kyrylo Budanov and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiha, discussing bilateral relations, the ongoing conflict and the implementation of the free‑trade agreement approved by the Ukrainian parliament. The agreement was described as a “major turning point” that will create new business opportunities and deepen economic ties. Fidan also met leaders of the Crimean Tatar community to discuss their rights and cultural preservation. Zelenskyy later awarded Fidan the Order of Merit, thanking Turkey for its diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. Turkish shipowners have warned of a sharp rise in Black Sea security risks, citing recent attacks on commercial vessels. Turkey’s stance was echoed at the NATO summit in Ankara, where it reaffirmed its role as a mediator and its contribution to Ukraine’s defence support programmes.