Fidan: Russia and Ukraine Must Make Major Sacrifices to Reach Agreement

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the Russia-Ukraine war as having become "unbearable," calling on both sides to make major sacrifices to reach a peace agreement. He made these remarks to Anadolu Agency and TRT following a G20 foreign ministers meeting held in Atlanta on October 30-31, 2024.

Fidan stressed that the war's costs to European economies have reached approximately 100 billion euros, noting that the actual figure could be higher. He said that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has added a multiplier effect, making it impossible to calculate the precise scale of losses at this point.

The minister emphasized that Russian-Ukrainian peace will not be limited to the two warring parties, but will require "reconciliation of sorts" between Europe and Russia and a redefinition of their relationship. He called for the opening of grain export corridors across the Black Sea, affirming that Turkey is making intensive efforts on this file.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Fidan met with his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio, as well as the foreign ministers of Russia, Britain, France, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Germany, and Japan. In the same context, he called for the resolution of the U.S.-Iran dispute that has led to the closure of Hormuz, saying: "This dispute must be resolved as soon as possible so that these vital trade routes can be opened."

Fidan also announced that Turkey has formally nominated Kaja Kallas, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, for the position of UN Secretary-General, considering her election to lead the organization in December 2024 a notable diplomatic achievement.