President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has landed in Istanbul.
The Turkish state news agency Anadolu, as confirmed by Ukrinform, announced the arrival of Zelensky and his delegation, including Defense Minister Rustem Umyerov, at Atatürk Airport.
One of the first items on the visit's agenda is an inspection of the Hetman Ivan Mazepa corvette, currently under construction for the Ukrainian Armed Forces at a nearby shipyard in Istanbul.
Key discussions are slated to take place between President Zelensky and his Turkish counterpart, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. These talks are expected to cover bilateral issues and include broader deliberations with the extended Ukrainian and Turkish delegations.
Following these discussions, a joint press briefing by the two leaders is anticipated.
The discussions, as outlined by Ankara's presidential office, will primarily focus on the ongoing conflict resulting from Russia's aggression against Ukraine, with an aim to explore strategies for establishing "permanent peace in the region".
The Ukrainian President's Office has reported several pivotal topics for discussion with President Erdogan, including Zelensky's Peace Formula, planning a Peace Summit, ensuring the safety of maritime activities in the Black Sea, securing global food stability, and facilitating the release of Ukrainian captives and political prisoners from Russia.
These talks come at a crucial time, following Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's call for immediate ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine.
President Erdogan has previously expressed Turkey's dedication to aiding a peaceful resolution to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, offering Turkey as a neutral ground for conducting peace negotiations.
