Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in a phone call on Friday discussed initiatives for peace in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict and the return of prisoners of war as Turkey continues its efforts to act as a mediator in the crisis, Ukrainian and Turkish media reported on Friday.
Erdoğan emphasized Turkey’s commitment to halting the violence in both Ukraine and Palestine, state broadcaster TRT reported, reiterating Turkey’s readiness to facilitate and host peace talks aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
The presidents touched on the Black Sea grain deal, a significant agreement facilitated by Ankara last July involving Turkey, the United Nations, Russia and Ukraine. This deal, aimed at resuming grain exports from Ukrainian ports disrupted by the war, faced challenges when Russia temporarily withdrew, citing unmet conditions.
The discussion focused on the urgent need to restore the grain corridor and to secure an immediate ceasefire. Erdoğan highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts toward these ends, emphasizing the importance of a prompt ceasefire in Ukraine to create an environment conducive to peace negotiations.
Erdoğan also expressed his desire to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy together in Turkey for formal discussions.
In a video address, Zelenskyy detailed his conversation with Erdoğan, focusing on a peace formula and Turkey’s mediation efforts in securing the release of Ukrainians from Russian captivity. He thanked Turkey for its role in the recent liberation of over 200 military and civilian personnel from Russian detention, involving various branches of the Ukrainian armed forces.
