Mediation in prisoner exchange and other topics: Zelenskyy holds talks with Erdogan
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Photo: Getty Images)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. One of the topics was Türkiye mediation in the exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia, according to the evening address of the head of the Ukrainian state.
Zelenskyy describes the conversation with Erdogan as highly substantive. Specifically, the President of Ukraine thanked his colleague for cooperation in various spheres, including defense.
"We have joint projects—already successful—and this year, we aim to do even more to strengthen our states and our peoples," Zelenskyy notes.
He also emphasizes that security in the Black Sea region significantly relies on the cooperation between the two countries. Ukraine is grateful for the support in the operation of the maritime export corridor, through which over 14 million tons of cargo have been transported (about five hundred ships).
The talks also covered work on the Peace Formula. A representative from Türkiye was invited to a meeting at the adviser level, scheduled to take place in Switzerland.
"Particular attention was paid to the point in the Peace formula regarding the return of all captives and deportees. Today, I discussed this with the President of Türkiye. The return of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russians. The return of captives and all those facing repression in the occupied territory, especially in Crimea. Türkiye's mediation is crucial to free both the Crimean Tatars and everyone else held in Russian captivity," he adds.
Background
On December 19, during a press conference, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized his Turkish counterpart's inaction regarding the exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia.
He noted that Erdogan had not shown results in releasing captives from Crimea.
