Zelenskyy’s ‘ecumenical’ remark may strain Türkiye-Ukraine ties

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used the term “ecumenical” during a meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew I of the Istanbul Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.

This event is expected to heighten diplomatic tensions between Ukraine, which uses Turkish drones in its war against Russia and Türkiye.

Following the meeting, Zelenskyy made the following statement:

I had a call with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. I expressed my gratitude for His All-Holiness’ prayers for Ukraine and his unwavering support for our nation. We positively assessed our ongoing cooperation, including the recent productive visit of the Ukrainian delegation to the Ecuwmenical Patriarchate and exchanged expectations for the Patriarchate’s reciprocal visit.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Türkiye argues that the claim of the patriarchate being ecumenical has no legal basis and views the ecumenical discussions as interference in its internal affairs.

However, the West intends to give the Greek Patriarch of Constantinople an ‘international title’.

Ukraine, to which Türkiye provides all kinds of assistance, has also joined these efforts.

Meanwhile, it has been learned that the relationship between Zelenskyy and Bartholomew is not new. Two years ago Bartholomew had brought all churches in Ukraine against Russia.