Zelensky Discusses Peace Formula, Bilateral Cooperation in Phone Call With Erdogan

In a telephone conversation on Friday, Jan. 5, Volodymyr Zelensky engaged with his Turkish counterpart Erdogan, focusing on crucial aspects of the Peace Formula, particularly concerning the repatriation of deportees and prisoners.

"Special attention [in the conversation with Erdogan] was paid to the clause of the Peace Formula regarding the return of all deportees and prisoners," Zelensky said in an evening video address, emphasising the significance of Turkey's mediation in securing the release of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, along with the return of prisoners and individuals facing repression in occupied territories, notably in Crimea.

The Ukrainian President also provided Erdogan with updates on preparations for an upcoming meeting of national security advisers regarding the Peace Formula.

This meeting is scheduled to occur in Davos, Switzerland, in January, with a representative from Turkey confirming attendance.

Zelensky acknowledged the fruitful cooperation between Turkey and Ukraine in various domains, particularly in defense.

"We have common projects – already successful. And this year, we must do even more to strengthen our states. Security in our region – in the Black Sea and global food security – depends on Turkish-Ukrainian cooperation," he said.

Furthermore, the Ukrainian leader thanked Erdogan and the people of Turkey for supporting Ukraine's work to unblock maritime exports.

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In particular, according to Zelensky, since the start of the grain corridor, Ukraine has exported more than 14 million tons of cargo and dispatched about 500 ships.

"This is an essential result, both economically, in the sector of security and geopolitics. We demonstrate that we can restore security to our region despite all existing threats. We see how the strength of our partnership with Turkey strengthens our entire region," the president said.