Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated early Saturday that Kyiv wants to implement his country’s peace plan and that Turkey is willing to take the lead in this regard.
Following the meetings, Zelenskyy had a news conference with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul, where he commended Erdogan for his country’s generosity in hosting Ukrainians in Türkiye.
“I’m in Istanbul to thank everyone who wishes peace for our country and peoples,” Zelenskyy added.
He expressed his appreciation for Turkey’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Ukrainian president stated that he and Erdogan addressed the upcoming NATO meeting in Lithuania and that he was happy with Erdogan’s views regarding Ukraine deserved NATO membership.
Zelenskyy landed in Istanbul for his first official visit to Türkiye since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, following unexpected discussions in the Czech Republic and Slovakia earlier Friday.
Before the news conference, Turkey and Ukraine signed a memorandum of collaboration for strategic industries.