In a bold diplomatic move, Turkey has proposed hosting a high-stakes summit between the leaders of the United States, Russia, and Ukraine in an effort to broker an end to the three-year war in Ukraine.
The initiative comes as global calls for a ceasefire intensify, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urging decisive action to achieve lasting peace.
During a visit to Kyiv on Friday, Fidan revealed Ankara’s offer to facilitate direct talks between U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky under the mediation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“We sincerely believe it is possible to build on the previous Istanbul negotiations by convening a leaders’ summit,” Fidan stated. “The world faces a choice: either we turn a blind eye to the continuation of this war, or we seize the opportunity to secure a durable peace before year’s end.”
As a NATO member that has maintained ties with both Kyiv and Moscow, Turkey has positioned itself as a critical mediator in the conflict. Fidan emphasized that diplomatic progress remains possible as long as dialogue continues, adding, “Expectations for a ceasefire and peace have grown significantly.”
The proposal follows Fidan’s recent talks with senior Russian officials in Moscow earlier this week. Later on Friday, he was scheduled to meet with President Zelensky in Kyiv to discuss the potential summit.
The war in Ukraine, now in its third year, has exacted a heavy humanitarian and economic toll. Turkey’s mediation efforts reflect its strategic balancing act—supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity while preserving its economic and diplomatic relationship with Russia.
No immediate responses have been issued by Washington, Moscow, or Kyiv regarding the proposed summit. However, the initiative underscores Turkey’s ambition to play a central role in shaping a potential resolution to one of the most devastating conflicts in recent European history.