Zelensky sees Erdogan as an important player in future security guarantees

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated this during a press briefing, answering a question about his expectations from Turkey, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“In terms of future security guarantees, I believe that Turkey can play a very important role. I discussed this with President Erdogan, who confirmed that Turkey will be one of the guarantors of Ukraine's security. This is of great importance to me. We have established relations with President Erdogan, and we really consider him one of the key players in ensuring security in the Black Sea direction. We have every chance for this,” he noted.

When asked whether he plans to visit Turkey in the near future, Zelensky replied that he always enjoys traveling to Turkey.

“As for the trip, it always depends on the topics we discuss with President Erdogan, and whether there is a perspective in the context of the war and the situation in Ukraine. I always take these points into account, since I can agree on a trip and then change the dates. I have done this many times during this war, but this information remains classified. [We can discuss this], taking into account the situation on the front and security issues,” the head of the Ukrainian state said.

Commenting on the issue of food security, he recalled that Türkiye had previously helped control this situation.

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“Unfortunately, this initiative was then blocked by Russia, and, by the way, by Turkey's initiative too. However, despite this, it is now functioning,” Zelensky said.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly called on allies to increase pressure on Moscow and provide security guarantees to Ukraine to protect it from the “badly concealed” ambitions of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.