Zelenskyy meets Erdogan in Istanbul amid peace efforts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Istanbul on Saturday for a working visit to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to presidential press secretary Serhiy Nykyforov.

The two leaders held talks at Dolmabahçe Palace, beginning with an official welcoming ceremony followed by a bilateral meeting conducted behind closed doors. The agenda included discussions on current issues of bilateral relations, regional developments, and efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire and a long-term solution within the framework of the Istanbul process, according to the Directorate of Communications of the Turkish Presidential Administration.

Zelenskyy's visit also included a planned meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Earlier on Saturday, Erdogan spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In that conversation, Erdogan stressed the importance of not obstructing Turkey's efforts aimed at a peaceful settlement of the Russia-Ukraine war. According to a statement from the Turkish president's office, Erdogan stated that Turkey advises all sides to refrain from steps that could lead to an escalation of tensions.

The Turkish president also raised concerns about attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea, noting that such actions harm stability. Erdogan additionally stressed that the war in Iran must not create new zones of conflict within the framework of the Russia-Ukraine crisis.