Zelenskyy says Ukraine ‘very open’ to Türkiye hosting trilateral peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday that Kyiv is “very open” to Türkiye hosting a trilateral leaders’ meeting on peace negotiations, expressing support for the proposal during talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York as he departed the Turkish House, Zelenskyy highlighted the “very strong relations” between Türkiye and Ukraine.

Describing the meeting as productive, Zelenskyy said Erdogan had told him that he was ready to host a trilateral meeting at the leaders’ level.

“I said that if the president could organize (it), we will support the idea to be in Türkiye,” he said.

“We will be ready to come for such summit,” he added.

Zelenskyy also highlighted the free trade agreement between the two countries.

“We decided that we will increase the trade between our countries from $1 billion to $10 billion. We are on this way. We have very good results,” he said.

The Ukrainian president said his meeting with Erdogan also covered maritime security, a potential ceasefire or truce at sea and food security.

“Türkiye is a very strong partner on the Black Sea with Ukraine,” he said.

- 'I am grateful to Türkiye for its readiness to help advance peace'

Separately, in a post on the US social media platform X, Zelenskyy said he thanked Erdogan for Türkiye’s "consistent support" for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

"And it is truly very important that Russia’s war against Ukraine ends in exactly this way – with dignity and respect for international law," he said.

Zelenskyy said they discussed security in the Black Sea -- first and foremost how to ensure the operation of the maritime export corridor.

"In fact, there are countries on every continent that depend on our food exports. And there are now various options on the table for how the corridor can be fully restored.

"What is needed is simply Russia’s readiness to stop its terrorist strikes on our infrastructure so that Ukraine can reciprocally halt its long-range responses," he added.

Zelenskyy noted that he briefed Erdogan on Ukraine's contacts with the American team, expressing that they also exchanged views on bilateral issues as well – the free trade area and a potential drone deal.

"I am grateful to Türkiye for its readiness to help advance peace," he added.