Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ankara that the negotiations in Istanbul need to be renewed and continued, and Zelensky expressed hope that the exchange of prisoners of war will be renewed by the end of the year, BTA reports.
„We believe that the renewal of the Istanbul Process with a more comprehensive content and in a way that covers the pressing issues will be fruitful. "We expect all our partners who want the bloodshed in the region to stop to approach the Istanbul process constructively," Erdogan said in a joint statement with Zelensky, which was broadcast live on social media. The two did not answer journalistic questions.
Erdogan expressed the opinion that the talks in Istanbul are leading to a diplomatic solution and stressed that the war must end amid increasing attacks on energy infrastructure and human losses on both sides.
The Turkish president said that Ankara reaffirms its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as for the Crimean Tatars.
“Despite the war, we set a goal for our trade exchange to reach $10 billion. With the support of Turkish entrepreneurs, who, even under these difficult conditions, do not leave the country and continue to work, we will once again support Ukraine in construction…But first of all, Turkey is ready to discuss with Russia actions that will ensure a ceasefire and lead to a lasting and just peace. In this regard, we believe that it is important for our ally the United States to join the process“, said Erdogan.
Zelensky, for his part, expressed gratitude to Turkey for its efforts.
„For Ukraine, Turkey's principled attitude to the war waged by Russia against Ukraine (...) is very important," Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president recalled that there were attacks again that night, in which a total of 25 people died, including 2 children.
„Ukraine is forced to constantly defend itself against these attacks. We are looking for the necessary missiles and defense equipment, equipment and military aircraft for our air defense. We are really doing everything we can to provide them. This is not so easy“, said the Ukrainian president.
He stressed that his country is making efforts to achieve peace and noted that many processes have accelerated.
“The war must end and there is no alternative to peace. Russia must understand that killing people will not be rewarded in any way. In addition, there must be no possibility for Russia to start such a war against another neighboring country or a country in the region. We share a common position on this issue with Turkey – there must be guarantees of peace and security. We will continue to work closely and coordinate with all our partners. I am grateful for Turkey's support and I want to thank President Erdogan for that once again. "I have confidence in Turkish diplomacy and its ability to reach an understanding with Moscow," Zelensky said.
He stressed that thanks to the negotiations in Istanbul, 2,000 soldiers have already returned home.
"We hope that by the end of the year the exchange of prisoners of war will begin again. Turkey is providing very great support in this regard, and I really appreciate that," Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president arrived in Ankara at noon and first laid a wreath at the mausoleum of the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Later, he was welcomed with state honors at the presidential palace.
The meeting between the heads of state of Turkey and Ukraine was also attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Turkish Intelligence (MIT) Director Ibrahim Kalin, and Erdogan's advisor on foreign policy and security Akif Chagatai. However, the official photos from the beginning of the meeting did not include US President Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who was also rumored to be attending the Ankara meeting.