Ankara, June 4, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a telephone conversation on Tuesday with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss ongoing international efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine, according to diplomatic sources.
The two top diplomats exchanged views on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with particular focus on the outcomes of the latest round of peace talks held in Istanbul on Monday. The discussions, hosted by Türkiye, marked the second round of direct negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian representatives, following the initial round on May 16.
According to sources, the Istanbul talks produced a humanitarian agreement between the two sides to expand the exchange of prisoners of war, with priority given to the youngest and most severely wounded. In addition, both parties agreed to facilitate the return of the bodies of 6,000 fallen soldiers from each side, a gesture aimed at easing tensions and demonstrating mutual respect for the human cost of the conflict.
Minister Fidan and Secretary Rubio also addressed other pressing regional matters, including developments in Syria and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The exchange reflected the ongoing dialogue and cooperation between Türkiye and the United States on key regional and global security challenges.
The phone call highlights Türkiye’s continued diplomatic engagement in conflict resolution efforts and its role as a mediator in the search for lasting peace in the region.
