Russia’s Lavrov to discuss Turkish role in ending Ukraine war in visit, source says
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (above) and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan would also discuss the ceasefire in Gaza and the situation in Syria.
PHOTO: REUTERS
ISTANBUL – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit Turkey on Feb 24 to discuss his country’s recent talks with US officials on ending the war in Ukraine, and how Ankara can contribute to the process, a Turkish foreign ministry source said on Feb 23.
His visit coincides with the three-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The source added that Mr Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan would also discuss the ceasefire in Gaza and the situation in Syria.
Turkey will emphasise the need for Syrian territorial unity and expulsion of terrorists, the source said.
US and Russian negotiators have met in Riyadh to discuss ending the conflict in Ukraine, without Kyiv’s participation.
On Feb 18, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.
The Turkish source said the sides on Feb 24 would discuss steps towards “a just and lasting peace through diplomatic efforts, recent contacts between the US and Russia and the contributions that Turkey can make to the process”.
Turkey has sought to balance good ties with both Ukraine and Russia, its Black Sea neighbours, throughout the war. REUTERS
