President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a joint press conference following their meeting in Istanbul. Erdoğan stated that the recent increase in efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine and the security situation in the Black Sea were discussed in detail during the meeting.
Noting that the conflict in Ukraine continues, Erdoğan expressed that the loss and destruction caused by the war are increasing day by day, and conveyed his condolences to Zelensky and the Ukrainian people for those who lost their lives.
Erdoğan stated that they are pleased with the renewed momentum in initiatives aimed at ending the war through diplomatic means. Pointing to the negotiations that Turkey previously hosted between Ukraine and Russia, Erdoğan emphasized that these contacts have shown that concrete results can be achieved through diplomacy.
Stating that "there is no loser in a just peace," Erdoğan said that Turkey is ready to make every effort to pave the way for peace. He reported that an exchange of views took place during the meeting regarding the assurance of the safety of navigation in the Black Sea.
President Erdoğan stated that they have been making active efforts to protect security and stability in the Black Sea since the beginning of the war, and drew attention to the fact that the conflict has recently spilled over into the Black Sea. Erdoğan expressed that attacks on civilian ships and steps that would increase escalation in the region would not benefit anyone.
News Source: 12punto
