In brief
At a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta, Turkey’s Hakan Fidan demanded that Russia and Ukraine reach a peace agreement rooted in substantial sacrifices. He warned that the five‑year war has devastated the global economy and that the Strait of Hormuz closure and Black Sea grain disruptions further compound the crisis. Fidan’s remarks underscore Turkey’s push to mediate and restore trade, while leaving questions about the pace and scope of a settlement unresolved.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday urged Russia and Ukraine to make significant sacrifices in pursuit of a peace agreement and warned that the five‑year war is already devastating the global economy and could trigger a broader regional conflict.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency and Turkish public broadcaster TRT on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, Fidan said the economic and social costs of the conflict have become increasingly difficult to ignore, especially for European states.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said:
These wars are no longer sustainable. Therefore, Russia and Ukraine must reach an agreement.
He added that a lasting settlement would require not only peace between the two sides but also an improved relationship between Russia and Europe. He stressed that any peace deal would involve reconciling Russia with its European partners, arguing that such an arrangement could help rebuild trust and restart certain aspects of their economic relationship.
Economic Repercussions
Fidan highlighted the role of external factors that amplify economic strains, noting that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has compounded the disruptive effect of the Ukraine war on energy supplies and international trade. He said the interconnected nature of the world economy makes it “increasingly difficult” to gauge the full financial impact of these disruptions.
The Turkish leader also raised the issue of the stalled Black Sea grain trade, describing it as a “problematic” challenge for global food security. "Food security, in particular, is an incredibly problematic issue. It needs to be brought to a halt as soon as possible," he said.
Fidan announced that Ankara is continuing intensive diplomatic contacts and making substantial efforts to facilitate transportation of grain from the Black Sea to international markets, hoping to restore normalcy in the region.
In the same meeting, Turkey presented a series of proposals aimed at addressing broader global crises and strengthening international cooperation, positioning itself as a potential mediator between the warring parties. These proposals emphasize the urgency of ending the conflict and restoring economic stability.
Turkey’s foreign minister also emphasized the importance of a post‑conflict roadmap that includes reintegration of border regions, economic aid packages, and security guarantees for both sides.
Comments from other leaders, including European officials, have been circumspect; some have welcomed Turkey’s mediation while others question its influence over Moscow’s decision‑making.
The broader question remains whether the war can be transformed into an agreement that not only ends hostilities between Russia and Ukraine but also reestablishes a sustainable economic and diplomatic relationship with Europe. The outcome will hinge on the willingness of key actors to accept difficult compromises, a point the Anadolu reports highlight as still unresolved.
