Zelenskyy, Erdogan discuss security cooperation and peace efforts at Istanbul meeting
發佈日期: 2026-04-05 20:35
TVB News
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and annouced agreement on new steps in the countries' security cooperation.
Zelenskyy has also raised concern during an interview that the Iran war, now in its sixth week, could take away America's support for his country.
A week after touring Gulf nations for talks on Ukrainian support for the war in the Middle East, Zelenskyy was greeted by Erdogan in Istanbul on Saturday and the two presidents agreed on concrete steps in forging closer cooperation in security.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine is ready to support Turkey with expertise, technology and experience and both teams would finalise terms in the coming days. New defence deals could be signed between the two countries soon.
Joint gas infrastructure and possible co-development of gas fields were among the topics touched in their conversations. Zelenskyy stated they also discussed peace talks and a possible meeting of leaders in Istanbul.
Erdogan reaffirmed support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and pledged Turkey will continue to play a constructive role in mediation.
While speaking with an Associated Press reporter later in the day, Zelenskyy expressed concerns about his country's reduced deliveries, as Washington's global priority is shifting towards its prolonged fighting with Iran.
He said: "We have to recognize that we are not the priority for today...I think that you, we, all the world understand that American army is, I mean, focusing on the Middle East, yes, on Iran. That's why I'm afraid long war will give us less support."
"I'm sure 100 percent if the war will not end. The package which is not very big for us but I think it will be smaller and smaller day by day."
Zelenskyy emphasised that in order to counter Russia's ballistic missiles, Ukraine is in desperate need of more US Patriot air defence systems as the country still falls short of an effective alternative.
Prior to Zelenskyy's talk with the Turkish leader, Russian forces launched 286 drones at Ukraine in an overnight attack, killing five people and injuring 30 others, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
Residential areas, vehicles and utility networks were damaged in the Ukrainian city of Sumy where at least seven sustained injuries.
Meanwhile in Russia, explosions were reported in a district of Tolyatti where two main chemical plants were located. Officials say one person was killed and five others wounded in a Ukrainian drone attack there.
