Ukrainian President Zelensky meets Turkey’s Erdogan in Istanbul for security talks, focusing on ceasefire efforts and regional stability.
ISTANBUL: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Istanbul for security talks with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The Turkish presidency confirmed the meeting would focus on “efforts towards a ceasefire and a lasting solution, particularly within the framework of the Istanbul process.”
Zelensky stated on X that they were working to strengthen partnership for stability and security in Europe and the Middle East. His visit follows Erdogan’s conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin a day earlier.
Putin had accused Kyiv of attempting to target the Russia-Turkey gas pipeline supplying several European countries. An AFP correspondent noted a heavy police presence around the Dolmabahce Palace, the meeting venue.
This palace previously hosted several rounds of talks between Moscow and Kyiv. Zelensky will also meet Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of most Orthodox churches.
The meeting occurs a week before Orthodox Easter, celebrated on April 12 in both Ukraine and Russia. Kyiv has been pushing for an Easter truce that includes halting attacks on energy infrastructure.
Russia stated it had not seen any “clearly formulated” proposals from Kyiv, seeking a permanent settlement over a brief ceasefire. Ukraine has struck Russian energy infrastructure throughout the more than four-year war.
These strikes aim to weaken Moscow’s ability to finance its offensive. Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities have cut power and heating to millions since the war began in 2022.
