Umerov Meets with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan to Discuss Post-Geneva Coordination

Rustem Umerov's Meeting with Hakan Fidan

According to Главком: Ukrainian Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov, held talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara on February 24. This high-level diplomatic engagement focused on reviewing the outcomes of the recent negotiations held in Geneva on February 18. The discussions covered the current security landscape, coordination of next steps, prospects for a diplomatic track, and pressing humanitarian issues.

Umerov noted that the talks addressed critical matters, including the coordination of future actions and humanitarian concerns. He expressed gratitude to Turkey for its consistent stance since the onset of the full-scale war, specifically highlighting Turkey's 2022 decision to close the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits to Russian warships. This move by Ankara is widely regarded as a significant contribution to Black Sea security. Turkey's strategic position as a NATO member bordering the Black Sea makes its support particularly consequential.

Outlook for Future Negotiations

The meeting also explored the prospects for a forthcoming round of trilateral talks scheduled to take place in Switzerland. According to Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate, the conversation between the parties was challenging yet crucial, and substantial progress was achieved during the negotiations.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of keeping the negotiation process within Europe, stating that the involvement of allied nations would lead to greater assistance for Ukraine.

Umerov pointed out that the public will only be able to assess the results of the negotiations once they are concluded, outlining that only two potential outcomes remain:

• The parties agree to end the war;
• Combat operations will continue.

This meeting between Ukrainian and Turkish officials underscores the vital role of international cooperation in resolving the conflict in Ukraine. As an active geopolitical player, Turkey continues to serve a key function in supporting Ukraine, which could strengthen Kyiv's position in future talks. Developments on the diplomatic front are critically important for determining the future security situation in the region and for addressing the humanitarian crisis within Ukraine.