On 31 October 2026, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul. During the conversation, the parties discussed international efforts to achieve peace, cooperation with the US, the consequences of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector, and the evacuation of civilians from the temporarily occupied town of Oleshky. The Head of State reported on the results of the meeting via his official Telegram channel. Zelenskyy also congratulated the Patriarch on the upcoming 35th anniversary of his enthronement, which will be celebrated on 2 November.
Zelenskyy briefed the Patriarch on the peace talks and contacts with the US
One of the main topics of the meeting was Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts with international partners to bring the war to an end.
Zelensky informed Ecumenical Patriarch on the negotiation process and contacts with representatives of the United States. The President did not disclose any details of these consultations in his statement.
The parties paid particular attention to the situation in Ukraine against the backdrop of Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure.
«Of course, he provided an update on the situation in Ukraine, on the ongoing Russian attacks on our energy infrastructure and on everything that enables people to live normal lives», wrote Zelenskyy.
He thanked Bartholomew for his consistent support for the Ukrainian state, his public stance and his prayers for peace.
The rescue of people from Oleshky: what was discussed during the meeting
Another important issue was the humanitarian operation in the temporarily in the occupied town of Oleshky in the Kherson region, during which civilians were successfully evacuated.
According to Zelenskyy, this operation demonstrated that it is possible to achieve tangible humanitarian results even in wartime.
On 31 October, the President announced that the evacuated residents of Oleshky had already crossed the Ukrainian border in the Chernihiv region. During the temporary ceasefire, roads were cleared of mines, humanitarian aid was delivered and arrangements were made for the evacuation of people in need of assistance.
Zelenskyy thanked the American side, in particular the First Lady of the United States Melania Trump, for facilitating the organisation of a humanitarian mission.
The President emphasised that international pressure on Russia must continue to ensure that such measures do not remain isolated incidents.
«This is a very important outcome, and we hope that the international community will put pressure on Russia to ensure that such de-escalation measures are expanded», — said the head of state.
A visit to Istanbul and talks with Erdoğan
The meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch took place during a working Zelenskyy’s visit to Turkey. Earlier that day, the Ukrainian president held talks with the Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The parties discussed preparations for trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US and Russia, which are scheduled for the first half of November. They also considered the possibility of involving Turkey and European partners in the diplomatic process.
Security has become a separate issue Black Sea. Zelenskyy and Erdoğan agreed to continue working towards the restoration of an effective grain corridor.
The President of Ukraine also announced that an increase in supplies of Turkish generators and other energy equipment is expected as early as next week.
Bartholomew is to mark 35 years of patriarchal ministry
During the meeting, Zelenskyy congratulated The Ecumenical Patriarch on the 35th anniversary of his enthronement, which will be celebrated on 2 November.
Bartholomew has been head of the Patriarchate of Constantinople since 1991. He has repeatedly spoken out in support of Ukraine, condemned Russian aggression and called for a just peace.
In April 2026, Zelenskyy had already met with the Patriarch in Istanbul. At that time, they discussed support for Ukrainian families, the situation of children during the war and humanitarian aid.
The latest meeting was a continuation of these discussions. As of 31 October, no specific new agreements resulting from the meeting had been announced. The main issues remain international efforts to end the war, the protection of Ukraine’s energy sector and the expansion of humanitarian access to people in the occupied territories.
