Turkey with “restrained optimism” assesses the situation around the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. This was stated to journalists by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on the eve of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels.
According to him, significant progress was made at the meeting of the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul, but the events in Bucha had a negative impact on the outcome of the negotiations.
“It was a meeting where the parties made significant progress. Subsequently, both sides acknowledged this. But, unfortunately, the footage that we saw from Bucha and some other regions (Ukraine) spoil the relatively positive atmosphere. However, we still remain hopeful and cautiously optimistic. At the same time, we are realists. There are complex issues, but we must continue our efforts, and Turkey is doing everything that depends on it,” Cavusoglu said, in particular.
According to him, the organization of a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky remains a priority for Turkey. “We look forward to further negotiations between the delegations and then meetings of the foreign ministers of the two countries to initiate a possible agreement. Both sides agree that the heads of the two states may meet in the future, and we call on the leaders of both sides to hold a meeting,” he said.