Turkish Foreign Minister: The Issue of Control over the “DPR” Blocks Peace Talks on Ukraine

According to him, this problem is blocking progress in the negotiation process, although there is still hope for progress in resolving the conflict. “Judging by all appearances, progress [in the settlement] may be achieved in some time, perhaps in a few months. Both sides have their arguments, and they need to be brought to a common denominator,” Fidan said, according to rtvi.com. He noted that Ukraine refuses to withdraw its troops from the Donetsk oblast, while Russia insists on concessions from Kyiv, warning that otherwise the Ukrainian side risks losing even more territory. “There are some alternative options that I am considering, communicating with both European and American officials about possible solutions that could unite both sides. However, they are too detailed, too inappropriate here, and may be irritating,” the minister explained. According to Fidan, Turkey continues to maintain active contacts with Russia, Ukraine and the United States, including after the summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Alaska and the subsequent talks between the American leader and Volodymyr Zelensky and European representatives in Washington.