Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit Istanbul on Friday for discussions with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan concerning the conflict with Russia and navigation issues in the Black Sea, according to an announcement from the Turkish presidency.
“The focal points of their meeting will include the situation between Ukraine and Russia, as well as recent developments regarding the establishment of a secure corridor in the Black Sea,” the presidency conveyed in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday.
The meeting between the two leaders is scheduled to take place at the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, with a press briefing slated for 7:00 pm (1600 GMT), the ministry further elaborated.
Zelensky’s previous visit to Turkey was in July 2023, during which he engaged in extensive discussions with Erdogan, who maintains close relations with Moscow.
Upon his return to Kyiv, Zelensky brought back five high-ranking commanders from the Azov regiment, who were initially intended to stay in Turkey until the resolution of the conflict under a prisoner exchange agreement with Moscow.
The members of the regiment notably contributed to the defense of Mariupol until its capture by Russian forces in May 2022.
