Volodymyr Zelensky had a telephone conversation with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

As part of the ongoing dialogue with partners and allies, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The Head of State thanked the Turkish side for its unwavering support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, which was confirmed, in particular, in the speech of the President of Türkiye at the opening of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Volodymyr Zelensky highly appreciated the personal role of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in organizing the recent exchange of prisoners of war and providing shelter on Turkish soil to Ukrainian commanders. For his part, the leader of the Republic of Türkiye assured that all necessary conditions will be created for those released, as well as for relatives who will visit them in Türkiye.

The President of Ukraine thanked official Ankara for its principled position on the non-recognition of sham referenda.

“The goal of the illegal sham referenda that Russia held in the occupied territories of Ukraine is the annexation of new Ukrainian lands. The world community must give the toughest possible response to Russia’s actions,” the Head of State said.

During the conversation, Türkiye’s key role in organizing the work of the grain initiative and establishing the export of Ukrainian agricultural products through the Black Sea was noted. The parties noted that since its launch, 235 ships with 5.4 million tons of agricultural products for the countries of Asia, Europe, and Africa have left Ukrainian ports. Hope was expressed for the further smooth functioning of the grain initiative to prevent a global food crisis.

Separately, the leaders of the states touched upon the situation at the ZNPP. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed readiness to contribute to international efforts to prevent the nuclear threat.

The Presidents also discussed bilateral contacts to be held shortly.

Read also: Operational information on the Russian invasion (September 28)