Ukrainian President Zelensky says European countries and Turkey's role is essential for resolving the Ukraine war and ensuring Ukraine's security

Ukrainian President Zelensky says European countries and Turkey's role is essential for resolving the Ukraine war and ensuring Ukraine's security

Ankara, February 20: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Turkey and European countries should also be included in the talks for ending the Russia-Ukraine war and securing guarantees for Ukraine's security. He made this statement during a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday.

Zelensky said, "Turkey, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United States must be included in the discussions, and they should also play a role in security guarantees." He further stated, "The negotiations must be fair, and this can only be achieved if all relevant countries participate in the process. No one should be left behind."

Zelensky's visit to Turkey coincides with US-Russia talks held in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine and the European Union were excluded.

Regarding Turkey's role, Erdogan emphasized that Ankara fully supports Ukraine's territorial integrity and independence, which he described as essential conditions for long-term peace. However, he did not make any commitments regarding Turkey's role in security guarantees or peacekeeping missions.

Zelensky also mentioned that he had decided not to travel to Saudi Arabia and that a new date for his visit had been set for March.

In response to a question, Zelensky said, "We will never recognize Donbas and other areas as Russian territory."