Erdogan also supports our NATO membership: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine seeks a just and lasting peace, emphasizing that his country does not want to turn into “a new Syria.”
Speaking to journalists, including those from Turkish media outlets, during his visit to Ankara, Zelenskyy highlighted Russia’s role in the ongoing war and expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s support.
Zelenskyy thanks Türkiye for support
During his official visit to Türkiye, Zelenskyy met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at Bestepe to discuss bilateral relations and regional security.
He expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s continued support, particularly in housing Ukrainian orphaned children displaced by the war.
“This war started due to Russia’s aggression. The one responsible is (Russia’s President Vladimir) Putin. However, we want the war to end as soon as possible with a fair and lasting peace. We do not want to see death return to our country. We do not want to become a new Syria,” Zelenskyy said.
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Security guarantees and NATO members
Zelenskyy stressed the importance of genuine security guarantees, stating that any cease-fire agreement should not merely serve as a temporary measure. He noted concerns about Russia’s trustworthiness in negotiations, referencing past broken agreements.
“We must work with those who can truly provide security guarantees. If the discussion is about a cease-fire rather than an end to the war, this is still an important step toward ending active combat. I told Trump the same thing—if he can pressure Putin into ending the war, that is good. But do not forget, Putin can deceive. He has done so before,” he warned.
Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s desire for NATO membership, pointing out that while most European leaders support the idea, some countries, including Slovakia, Germany, Hungary, and the United States, have yet to fully endorse it.
“President Erdogan also supports our NATO membership. If NATO is not an option, then what guarantees are we discussing? If we are ending the war, why should we refrain from strengthening Ukraine’s defense?” he asked.
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Ukraine’s role in peace negotiations
Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukraine must be included in any discussions regarding the resolution of the war. He criticized diplomatic efforts that exclude Ukraine, emphasizing that negotiations without his country’s involvement would not be legitimate.
“If a negotiation table is set up, there must be people present who can stop Putin from returning to war. I do not enjoy speaking with Putin—we are enemies, and this remains the case. However, we will do everything to end this war. The U.S. and Russia may have commercial relations, but when discussions arise about peace, we ask, ‘Where are we in this?’ This war is happening in Ukraine. Putin is killing Ukrainians, not Americans or Europeans. A negotiation process without us is unacceptable.”
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Türkiye as a security guarantor
Following his meetings in Türkiye, Zelenskyy suggested that Ankara could play a role in providing security guarantees for Ukraine.
He noted that Europe is ready to step in if U.S. aid to Ukraine decreases, adding that upcoming meetings with European leaders, including those in the U.K., will further explore security agreements.
“Türkiye could provide security guarantees for Ukraine,” he said, highlighting the importance of strong international partnerships.
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Trade and military cooperation
Despite the ongoing war, Zelenskyy underscored the growing economic ties between Türkiye and Ukraine, citing a trade volume exceeding $6 billion.
He expressed hopes of increasing it to $10 billion through the finalization of a free trade agreement (FTA) with Türkiye.
“I invited President Erdogan to Ukraine, and I told him, ‘If you visit, the FTA will immediately take effect,’'” Zelenskyy stated.
On military cooperation, Zelenskyy highlighted discussions with Turkish defense company Baykar and noted the establishment of an office in Ukraine.
He pointed out the ongoing collaboration on long-range drones and Türkiye’s production of corvettes for the Ukrainian navy, with one already completed and another expected in 2026.
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Prisoner exchanges and humanitarian issues
Zelenskyy called for greater efforts to return Ukrainian children abducted during the war and emphasized the importance of continued humanitarian assistance.
“We need help, especially in bringing our children back. Unfortunately, we have too many orphans. There are around 10,000 captives in Russian-held areas. We do not have 10,000 Russian prisoners in our jails. A fair exchange must take place,” he stated.
Grain corridor and Black Sea security
Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Corridor agreement and highlighted Ukraine’s efforts to establish an alternative corridor with the support of regional partners, including Türkiye.
“We are working on a new corridor with Black Sea nations, including Türkiye. It is more expensive, but we must expand it to include energy and metallurgy,” he explained.
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Call for United European Defense Force
Zelenskyy suggested that Europe needs a unified defense force, with Ukraine serving as a key component.
“We currently have the largest army in Europe. I believe a unified European defense force should be established, and Ukraine would be a great starting point. Europe must be defended by a strong military force. In every aspect, Türkiye and Ukraine are the two strongest armies in Europe, alongside France, the U.K., and Germany.”
A personal perspective on war
Reflecting on the impact of the war, Zelenskyy shared a personal moment about his family and the hardships faced by Ukrainian children.
“President Erdogan often speaks about his grandchildren when we meet, and I talk about my children. Unfortunately, Ukrainian children have had to grow up too fast due to the war. They lost their childhood and became independent, strong individuals. The light and emotions in their eyes have faded. As a father, this is very difficult for me.”