Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Proposes Black Sea Moratorium

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Kyiv on July 15-16, 2026, to advance diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Traveling by rail due to closed airspace, Fidan met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to reaffirm Türkiye's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and discuss postwar reconstruction.

During a joint news conference on July 16, Fidan warned that diplomatic efforts have reached a deadlock while the conflict escalates, specifically citing increased attacks on civilian infrastructure and populated areas. To mitigate the crisis, he proposed a moratorium on attacks in the Black Sea to ensure maritime security and stated that Türkiye has agreed to take a leading role in establishing security guarantees for the region. Fidan described attacks on ports, tankers, and fishing boats as "unacceptable."

Drawing on a visit to Moscow in June 2026, Fidan stated that Russia appeared ready for negotiations. He pledged that Türkiye would intensify direct diplomatic efforts to organize a new round of talks, advocating for a return to the Istanbul talks to maintain regional stability. Additionally, Fidan confirmed that Turkish companies continue to operate in Ukraine and will support the country's economic development following the war, coinciding with the recent ratification of the Türkiye-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement.