Diplomatic settlement of the war and food security: Zelenskyy and Erdogan met in Ankara. Video

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Turkish capital. The talks took place at the Presidential Palace in Ankara.

The meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Turkey, which will contribute to the further development of relations in the fields of economy, defense, and diplomacy, began at 14:15 local time. This was reported by the Turkish edition of Ekonomim.

The leaders discussed issues of strategic partnership and ways to strengthen cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey, as well as assessed the steps to be taken to implement new joint projects and support old ones.

Zelenskyy and Erdogan exchanged views on the current situation in Ukraine and discussed important regional and global challenges. Other important topics included the situation on the frontline and the security of the Black Sea region, as well as the exchange of prisoners and food security.

Following the talks, a number of agreements were signed in various areas, and the presidents held a joint press conference.

Turkey's participation in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine

Zelenskyy said that Turkey, along with the EU and the United States, should be involved in the negotiation process and the development of the necessary security guarantees for Ukraine.

According to him, no mistakes should be made in order to end the war with a reliable and lasting peace.

"This is possible only when the negotiations are fair and Ukraine, America, and the whole of Europe are represented at the negotiating table. And guarantees are developed with the participation of all those who are able to give them. It is only fair that Turkey is such a subject, part of Europe," the Ukrainian president said and thanked Erdogan for his understanding.

Erdogan speaks about Ukraine's territorial concessions

Erdogan said that Turkey has always cared about Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

"Ukraine's territorial integrity is something we cannot give up. So is its sovereignty. That is why we need peace to be established as soon as possible," he said.

Ukraine plans a visit to Saudi Arabia in spring

Zelenskyy has no plans to visit Saudi Arabia while negotiations between Russia and the United States are ongoing. He "doesn't know who will stay there and who will leave, who is going where," and he doesn't care.

"To be honest, I don't care, but I do care that our partners think something unnecessary about us. We are absolutely honest and open. I don't want any coincidences. I will not go to Saudi Arabia. We have contacted our partners in Saudi Arabia," he emphasized.

Zelenskyy explained that he has very good relations with the Saudi authorities, so an official meeting has already been scheduled for March 10.

He added that US representatives are expected in Kyiv.

Zelenskyy on the transition to diplomacy

"It seems to me that today it is clear that neither side will win this war with weapons on the battlefield. Russia wanted to do so, but failed, and no one believed in Ukraine, but it proved it. And it defended its independence. It was not easy. At a high price – with the lives of its soldiers and its people. This suggests that there should be a transition to diplomacy, but it should still lead to a just peace," Zelenskyy said.

Security guarantees for Ukraine and the end of the war

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine needs security guarantees so that this terrible thing does not happen again. And not because Ukrainians are afraid of the Russian army and occupation, but because there will be a huge number of victims in any war. For Ukraine, every person is important, and life is priceless.

According to him, today Europe, NATO countries, and the United States could certainly give Ukrainians faith in strong security guarantees, including that Ukraine will become a NATO member. However, there is no such support from the United States at the moment. Kyiv knows that America and several other European partners do not support Ukraine's membership in NATO, which plays into Russia's hands.

"I think this is Russia's great desire and it coincides with this result. Then there are still security guarantees that can work: a strong Ukrainian army and the possible presence of troops from other European countries, the United States, and our partners," the president said.

He added that it is too early to talk about peacekeepers in Ukraine as a security guarantee, but it is necessary because the dynamics of this war have accelerated greatly, as has diplomacy.

"We must understand security guarantees. Ukrainians must understand. And of course, no matter how difficult it is for us, or who wants to or not, Ukraine does not recognize the Ukrainian territories legally occupied by Russia – our east, our Crimea, and all other important cities and villages for us," Zelenskyy emphasized.

On relations between Ukraine and Turkey

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine greatly values its relations with Turkey. In such a difficult time, the countries have the necessary understanding and support. He thanked the Turkish President for his warm welcome, hospitality, and absolute constructiveness in the negotiations.

According to him, during the meeting on February 18, they discussed in detail all global processes that could lead to the end of Russia's war against Ukraine, including the importance of working together to provide security guarantees for Ukraine. Other important issues were also discussed:

• bilateral relations,
• economic issues,
• interaction between our societies in education, in many projects,
• food security,
• work on the return of prisoners held by Russia.

"We are grateful to Turkey for all the support of our state and people, for its principled position on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country," the president said.

Zelenskyy's meeting with Erdogan comes as the American delegation is holding talks with the Russian delegation in Saudi Arabia, including on ending the war in Ukraine and cooperation.

On the evening of February 17, the President of Ukraine arrived in Ankara with his wife, Olena Zelenska, to establish contacts in the field of education and culture.

Earlier, Zelenskyy said on social media that Ukraine wants the war to end, but that peace should be based on the provision of certain security guarantees.

"We want these security guarantees to be provided by the whole of Europe, including the United States, the European Union and Turkey," he said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, on Monday, February 17, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. During the meeting, a meaningful conversation was held and important agreements were signed.

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