Zelenskyy holds talks with Erdogan in Turkey

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Istanbul for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, describing the discussions as ‘essential’ for security and stability not only in Europe but also in the Middle East.

Kyiv has not disclosed further details of the agenda.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine had recently expanded security cooperation with countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and was in talks with other states in the region.

Ukraine is seeking to draw on its wartime experience, particularly in defending against drones, which Russia has deployed extensively since its 2022 invasion.

In addition to political talks, Zelenskyy is also scheduled to meet Patriarch Bartholomew.

(reuters, pir)