Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who is expected in Ukraine today, says Russia and Ukraine “want a ceasefire” and must now “express their negotiating positions.”

“I note that the issue is beginning to take a more optimistic turn to the extent that negotiations are beginning. Both parties want a ceasefire. No one is saying they don’t want it,” Fidan said inside the train on which he traveled to Kiev, according to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency.

Moscow has suggested Kiev meet for new talks on Monday in Istanbul, after a first meeting in that city on May 16.

Ukraine said it was “ready” to join, provided it knew Russia’s conditions so that “a constructive discussion” could take place.

Fidan travelled to Russia this week, where he was received by President Vladimir Putin and his counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.

He is due to meet today in Kyiv with President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior officials, including the defense and foreign ministers.

“Turkey is an ideal player,” he stressed, recalling that Moscow’s proposal for a new meeting was made immediately after his visit.

“Nobody says they don’t want a ceasefire. Because it would not be easy to announce it,” Fidan said.

He acknowledged, however, that “the two parties have different requirements.”

“These demands have to be reconciled. That’s what negotiation and mediation are for,” he said.