Moscow drops full Ukraine control demand, eyes parts of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia — Turkey’s FM

TGRT News reports.

According to him, during the third round of negotiations in Istanbul, the parties presented concrete positions for the first time. These were later discussed at the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

Fidan noted that they saw the beginning of the end at that time.

According to him, Russia no longer insists on controlling the entire territory of the four Ukrainian regions. However, it now seeks to hold the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region and secure 25–30% of Donetsk region for itself.

He emphasized that the fact Moscow agreed to guarantee these conditions through a security mechanism is striking. It lays the groundwork for a future settlement, while also posing difficult challenges for both countries, especially Ukraine.

At the same time, he believes that the strategic loss of part of Donetsk complicates the defense of the rest of the region, while an international guarantees system could balance the situation and provide room for further dialogue.

• On August 26, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that contacts would take place during the week with Turkey, European countries, and Gulf states, which could serve as platforms for talks with Russia.