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Zelenskyy – Fidan Meeting in Kyiv

by Roman Cheplyk
Friday, May 30, 2025
2 MIN
Zelenskyy – Fidan Meeting in Kyiv

Discussion focused on peace diplomacy, prisoner exchanges, and next steps in Ukraine-Turkey cooperation

Key Points from the Meeting

Item Detail
Date / Venue 30 May 2025, Kyiv
Participants President Volodymyr Zelenskyy • Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
Purpose Review diplomatic tracks, prisoner-exchange follow-up, and groundwork for future talks with Russia

Main Outcomes

  1. Recognition of Turkish Mediation

    • Zelenskyy thanked Ankara and President Erdoğan for facilitating previous exchanges that brought over 1,000 Ukrainians home.

    • Commitment to continue joint efforts until all detainees are released.

  2. Status of “1,000-for-1,000” Exchange Memorandum

    • Ukraine and Turkey have not received Russia’s promised document outlining next steps.

    • Lack of clarity jeopardises preparation for any subsequent rounds.

  3. Diplomatic Roadmap

    • Both sides affirmed the need for a substantive agenda before any new meeting with Russian negotiators.

    • Kyiv emphasised that without concrete proposals from Moscow, talks risk becoming “fruitless.”

  4. Cease-Fire Perspective

    • Minister Fidan reiterated Turkey’s view that an immediate cease-fire remains critical.

    • Zelenskyy underscored that a sustainable peace must be just and lasting, not merely a pause in fighting.


Next Steps

  • Document Pursuit: Ukraine will continue pressing for the Russian memorandum to unlock further negotiations.

  • Coordination with Ankara: Ongoing liaison at ministerial level to synchronise diplomatic initiatives and humanitarian actions.

  • Preparation for Talks: Kyiv will only engage in future meetings when the agenda is clearly defined and deliverables are realistic.


The encounter reinforced Turkey’s role as a key intermediary while highlighting the current impasse caused by Moscow’s failure to supply agreed documentation.

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