On Friday, Erdogan and Zelensky held talks in the Turkish capital, addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Reuters news agency has reported.
"We discussed developments about the war in detail today, and I stated our observations with all my sincerity," Erdogan said at a press conference alongside Zelensky.
Erdogan pledged Turkey's readiness to host a summit aimed at resolving the Ukraine-Russia war, emphasizing Ankara's commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty.
"We are giving our utmost contribution for the war to end on the basis of negotiations. We are ready to host a peace summit that Russia will attend too," the Turkish leader said.
However, Zelensky clarified that Russia wouldn't be invited to the first peace summit, to be held in Switzerland, signalling Ukraine's stance on resolving the conflict on its terms.
"We do not see any representatives of Russia at this summit [in Switzerland ed.]. We don't see how you can invite people who block, destroy, and kill everything. We want to get a result - a just peace," the Ukrainian president said.
The talks in Istanbul encompassed various facets of the conflict, including Black Sea shipping security, defence cooperation, and efforts to revive a stalled grain deal, which had been brokered by Turkey and the United Nations.
Highlighting Turkey's support for Ukraine, Erdogan reaffirmed military assistance, including armed drones, and discussed joint defence projects.
Zelensky said on the social media platform X after meeting Erdogan: "Today, we have reached agreements on joint defence projects both at the government level and between companies."
Turkey, a NATO member, maintains friendly relations with both Ukraine and Russia, positioning itself as a mediator between the two parties.
Despite its role in aiding Ukraine, Turkey is balancing its ties with Russia, as seen in deepening energy cooperation and agreements to participate in Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, according to Reuters.
(ał)
Source: Reuters