Ukraine’s Zelenskiy, Turkey’s Erdogan discuss Mariupol

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks throughout a information convention in Kyiv, Ukraine, February 3, 2022. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/File Photograph

KYIV, April 24 (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Sunday he mentioned with Turkey’s Tayyip Erdogan the necessity for the fast evacuation of civilians from the largely Russian-occupied port metropolis of Mariupol.

He stated the 2 spoke, on the eve of the Turkish president’s talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, concerning the Mariupol evacuation, together with the surrounded however Ukrainian-held Azovstal manufacturing unit.

“I careworn the necessity for fast evacuation of civilians from Mariupol, together with Azovstal, and fast change of blocked troops,” Zelenskiy wrote on Twitter.

NATO member Turkey shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia within the Black Sea and has good ties with each international locations. It has supported Ukraine whereas opposing sanctions on Moscow.

The Turkish presidency stated Erdogan informed Zelenskiy throughout the cellphone name that the evacuation of the wounded and civilians in Mariupol have to be ensured as “the scenario will get extra saddening by the day”.

“President Erdogan stated he was prepared to supply all the help he can throughout the negotiation course of and to supply the required help, together with mediation,” the assertion stated.

Erdogan additionally stated Turkey seen the guarantor concern positively in precept.

Ukrainian negotiators stated late final month Ukraine had proposed adopting impartial standing in change for safety ensures at talks with Russia in Turkey, which means it could not be part of army alliances or host army bases. learn extra

Zelenskiy stated on Saturday that Ukraine needed america to conform to be certainly one of its safety guarantors to guard it from future threats.

Reporting by Natalia Zinets and Can Sezer
Writing by Daren Butler and Max Hunder
Modifying by Raissa Kasolowsky, Alexandra Hudson

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Belief Ideas.