Zelenskyy and Erdogan announce intensification of processes to end the war

Ukraine and Turkey announce intensification of processes to end the war

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy During a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he said that the processes aimed at ending the Russian-Ukrainian war.

According to him:

• Ukraine counts on the power of Turkish diplomacy, especially given its communication with Moscow.

• Kyiv hopes to resume exchanges by the end of the year and return a significant number of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

• «The war must end. There is no alternative to peace» Zelensky stressed.

Erdogan's position: Crimea and occupied territories are Ukraine

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan in his statements confirmed that Ankara continues to support Ukraine:

• «Crimea is Ukraine, like all other occupied territories».

• Turkey remains a strategic partner of Ukraine.

• «We reaffirm our commitment to the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of our strategic partner, Ukraine.».

Turkey is ready to contribute to peace and reconstruction of Ukraine

Erdogan said that Ankara:

• Ready to discuss any proposals with Russia, that will open the way to a just peace;

• supports diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation;

• is ready to contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war, including infrastructure and humanitarian projects.

Context.

The meeting between Zelenskyy and Erdogan took place against a backdrop:

• intensification of non-public negotiations between the US and Russia on peace parameters,

• visits of US officials to Kyiv,

• Expectations that a framework agreement to end the war may be in place by the end of the month.

Turkey has traditionally played an important role in mediation, particularly in exchanges and humanitarian arrangements.