Erdogan discussed Ukraine situation with Zelensky
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky says a Turkish ban on the passage of Russian warships to the Black Sea would be extremely important.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky (Archive).
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed Saturday the situation in Ukraine with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by phone, the office of the Turkish leader confirmed on Saturday.
"The call addressed Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine and the latest developments," the president's office said on Twitter.
Erdogan stressed that Ankara was "working for an immediate declaration of ceasefire in a bid to prevent further loss of life and harm to Ukraine," the office added.
President @RTErdogan spoke by phone with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.
— Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye (@trpresidency) February 26, 2022
The call addressed Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine and the latest developments.
For his part, Zelensky has welcomed Erdogan's support and said banning the passage of Russian warships through the straits in Turkey is "extremely important."
"The ban on the passage of Russian warships to the Black Sea and significant military and humanitarian support for Ukraine are extremely important today," the Ukrainian president claimed.
I thank my friend Mr. President of 🇹🇷 @RTErdogan and the people of 🇹🇷 for their strong support. The ban on the passage of 🇷🇺 warships to the Black Sea and significant military and humanitarian support for 🇺🇦 are extremely important today. The people of 🇺🇦 will never forget that!
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 26, 2022
"The people of Ukraine will never forget that!", he tweeted.
There has been no confirmation from Ankara yet that the passage of Russian ships through the straits will be limited.
Read: Ankara says to comply with Montreux Convention over Russia
It is noteworthy that the Turkish President told reporters that Russia's recognition of the independence of Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics in the Donbass region is "unacceptable."
This comes as officials on Saturday announced that French naval forces intercepted in the Channel a cargo ship en route to Russia.
