Turkish foreign minister meets Ukrainian security official in Istanbul

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov in Istanbul on Wednesday for diplomatic talks. The discussions occurred during Umerov's official visit to Türkiye, which he previously indicated would address the resumption of prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia amid ongoing conflict.

Diplomatic Engagement

The Turkish Foreign Ministry confirmed the meeting through an announcement on the social media platform NSosyal, though specific details regarding the conversation remain undisclosed. The encounter represents continued diplomatic engagement between Türkiye and Ukraine as both nations navigate complex regional security challenges and humanitarian initiatives.

Prisoner Exchange Context

Umerov had stated earlier on Telegram that his visit to Istanbul specifically aimed to facilitate renewed prisoner-of-war exchanges with Russia. Türkiye has previously played a mediating role in such humanitarian exchanges between the conflicting parties, positioning itself as a neutral intermediary in diplomatic efforts to address humanitarian concerns arising from the conflict.

Türkiye's Mediating Role

The meeting underscores Türkiye's ongoing diplomatic involvement in regional security matters and its continued efforts to facilitate dialogue between Ukraine and Russia. Istanbul has served as a neutral venue for multiple rounds of negotiations since the conflict began, maintaining Türkiye's balanced approach to relations with both nations while advocating for peaceful resolution of disputes.