Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Istanbul on Saturday for an unannounced visit to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with talks expected to focus on ceasefire efforts and regional security.
“Arrived in Istanbul, where important meetings are scheduled. Substantive talks have been prepared with the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,” Zelenskyy wrote in a brief statement posted on social media, alongside a video showing him disembarking from a plane at Istanbul Airport.
“We are working to strengthen our partnership to ensure real protection of people’s lives, advance stability and guarantee security in our Europe, as well as in the Middle East. Joint efforts always deliver the best results.”
Shortly afterward, the Turkish Presidency’s Communications Office confirmed the meeting, which had not appeared on Erdogan’s daily schedule, describing the visit as a “working visit.”
“It is expected that discussions will focus on efforts toward a lasting solution to the war in Ukraine and the Istanbul process as a basis for a ceasefire,” the statement from Ankara said.
Erdogan is expected to receive Zelenskyy with an official ceremony at Dolmabahçe Palace, on the shores of the Bosphorus, followed by a bilateral meeting. No press conference is expected.
Zelenskyy’s last visit to Turkey took place in November last year.
Erdogan, who spoke by phone on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has repeatedly offered to host negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
