Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced in an exclusive interview with CNN Türk that they are ready to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Türkiye. Zelenskyy said, "We are ready to meet Putin in Türkiye."
"I hope for Türkiye’s mediation"
Responding to questions about the future of the war, Zelenskyy said, "We must move the hot phase of this war into at least a diplomatic phase. At this point, I hope for Türkiye’s mediation." Zelenskyy said his relationship with President Erdoğan, as well as Erdoğan’s relationships with U.S. President Trump and Putin, could also be useful in this process.
Proposal for mutual guarantees in the Black Sea
Addressing attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, Zelenskyy said, "Ships flying the Turkish flag or any other flag should be able to call at Ukrainian ports, and Russia should not strike them. When Turkish-flagged ships enter Russian ports, Ukraine will likewise not attack these ships. This is how we can ensure security in the Black Sea."
The interview was published after Zelenskyy’s visit to Istanbul on October 31. During the visit, Zelenskyy met with President Erdoğan at Dolmabahçe, and the two leaders discussed navigational security in the Black Sea and peace efforts at a joint press conference.
Video: CNN Türk