(MENAFN) Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on Saturday that the Russia-Ukraine war is “at its closest point to stopping,” describing the conflict as a costly war of attrition for all parties involved. Speaking on Turkish news channel A Haber, he noted that European leaders also desire an end to the fighting, adding that the war has reached “its darkest moment,” with both sides targeting each other’s transportation and energy infrastructure.

“They continue hitting conventional military targets, but that front is deadlocked. The war has effectively shifted into a drone battle,” Fidan added, emphasizing the stalemate. He said the prolonged fighting has exhausted both Moscow and Kyiv, creating conditions conducive to a ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Fidan stressed the urgent need to end hostilities: “It has turned into a war of attrition. Neither side is actually gaining much. On the contrary, both have inflicted enormous destruction on one another.” He also highlighted Europe’s involvement through financial and military support despite not deploying troops directly, noting that “the cost is mounting.”

Discussing the broader impact of sanctions and energy blockades on Russia, Fidan warned that such measures “come with a cost. And that cost is producing political consequences for governments,” pointing to changes in several European governments since the conflict began.

He added that rising defense expenditures are forcing additional budget cuts, creating political and economic pressures that are unsustainable. “There is now a massive cost problem. The human cost and the broader political costs are no longer manageable or bearable,” he said.

On the prospects for peace negotiations, Fidan expressed optimism, saying Türkiye “believe(s) a peace table will be formed ... whether in Türkiye or elsewhere,” and that he considers peace not only necessary but inevitable.

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