Regarding the Russia-Ukraine War, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said,"We believe that it would be beneficial for the Istanbul process to be put into effect with a more comprehensive content and to resolve the problems that have now become acute."

Erdoğan held a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Presidential Complex, stating that they were very pleased to host Zelenskyy in Türkiye.

Erdoğan, recalling that they hosted Zelenskiy twice more this year and exchanged views on bilateral relations and resolving the war in Ukraine, said the following:

Indeed, immediately following the President's last visit in May, we hosted direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations, which began over three years ago. In these three rounds of negotiations, progress was made, particularly on humanitarian issues. Furthermore, the parties were able to directly address ceasefire and peace plans, as well as military matters. We consider all of these valuable steps. In today's meetings, we emphasized the need to continue the Istanbul process with a pragmatic and results-oriented approach. We stated our belief that the Istanbul talks represent a significant milestone in efforts toward a diplomatic solution, especially at a time when the devastating effects of war are increasingly deepening for both sides. The increasing attacks on energy infrastructure and the resulting loss of life are causing irreparable damage for both sides. We believe that re-engaging the Istanbul process with a more comprehensive approach to address the acute problems will be beneficial. We expect all our partners, who desire an end to the bloodshed in the region, to demonstrate a constructive approach to the Istanbul process.

"WE AIM TO INCREASE OUR TRADE VOLUME TO 10 BILLION DOLLARS

President Erdoğan noted that they also discussed bilateral issues during their meeting with Zelenskiy today.

Emphasizing that they once again confirmed their commitment to the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of our strategic partner Ukraine, Erdoğan said:

In this regard, I would like to emphasize our continued support for the Crimean Tatars, who share a unique historical and cultural bond with Ukraine. Despite all the hardships of the war, we aim to increase our bilateral trade volume to $10 billion. We aim to contribute to Ukraine's reconstruction efforts with the support of Turkish entrepreneurs who courageously continued their work, refusing to abandon the country under these challenging circumstances. However, Turkey is always ready to discuss with Russia proposals that will accelerate the ceasefire and pave the way for a just and lasting peace. In this context, we value the involvement of our ally, the United States, in this process. As I conclude with these thoughts, I reiterate my condolences to the friendly Ukrainian people for those who lost their lives in the war.

"We are confident in the power of Turkish diplomacy and its comprehensibility in Moscow," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskiy spoke at a joint press conference with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held at the Presidential Complex.

Zelenskyy, stating that he had a very productive and comprehensive meeting with President Erdoğan, said,"As Ukraine, we greatly value the trust between our two countries. It is particularly important for us that Türkiye attaches so much importance to Ukraine."

Zelenskiy, recalling that he had met with Erdoğan before during the year, continued:

Türkiye's concerned stance on the Russian war against our state and our people is very important for Ukraine. I want to thank you for your cooperation. It really is. I thank you for the cooperation that helped us protect our lives and for Türkiye's clear stance on all the key elements of this tragedy, this Russian aggression. I want to thank Türkiye for supporting Ukraine's independence and sovereignty.

Zelenskyy said that defending Ukraine's sovereignty is everyone's struggle and noted that this is a legitimate right of self-defense.

"The world has seen what Russian aggression has brought. A new Russian attack was launched against our cities. Russian unmanned warplanes (UAVs) and missiles directly hit ordinary homes," Zelenskyy said, adding that more than 20 people lost their lives in the city of Ternopil alone.

Zelenskiy offered his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, adding that search and rescue efforts were still ongoing and that there might be people under the rubble.

Zelenskyy reiterated that attacks were carried out on other cities and settlements, including Kharkiv, noting:

"In today's Russian attack alone, a total of 48 missiles and 476 offensive drones were used. This war is that bloody. As Ukraine, we must constantly defend against such attacks," Zelenskyy said, emphasizing that this is not easy and is a challenge.

Zelenskiy stated that he was grateful to everyone who helped Ukraine, saying,"I would also like to thank you for all the work we carried out together in Türkiye."

Zelenskyy stated that the future of cooperation in the defense sector was also discussed during his meeting with Erdoğan, saying,"Our teams will work on the issues we agreed on today. We are waiting for the results."

Zelenskiy said that the situation in the diplomatic field was also discussed in detail and continued:

Many processes have now accelerated and revitalized. We strive to direct all these activities toward a just peace and the guarantee of security. War must end, and there is no alternative to peace. However, Russia must understand that war and killing cannot be rewarded in any way. Furthermore, Russia must not be able to rekindle a similar war against Ukraine or any other country in our region or neighboring regions. We share the same view with Turkey on this matter.

Emphasizing that peace and security must be guaranteed, Zelenskyy continued his remarks as follows:

"These security guarantees are crucial. We will continue to coordinate and work closely with all our partners. I am grateful for Türkiye's support. I want to thank President Erdoğan once again. We have confidence in the strength of Turkish diplomacy and its comprehensibility in Moscow. Türkiye's active participation in the Coalition of the Willing, especially its military-maritime component, is also crucial," he said.

Zelenskiy said that everyone understands the importance of security in the Black Sea and that this security can only be guaranteed together with Türkiye, and noted the following:

We are also working hard to restart prisoner exchanges so that our Ukrainian military prisoners, Ukrainian civilians, and especially Crimean Tatar political and religious prisoners can return home. Of course, we are also working to ensure the return of abducted Ukrainian children. We have established platforms in Türkiye for this purpose. We are currently working on this issue to bring our people back. We hope to restart prisoner exchanges and bring back a significant number of prisoners by the end of the year. Turkey is providing tremendous support in this regard, and I truly appreciate that.

Zelenskyy thanked President Erdoğan, saying,"Both for these talks and their results. Through the negotiations held as part of the Istanbul process, over 2,000 of our soldiers have returned, or decisions regarding their return have been made. Of course, we need to accelerate these diplomatic efforts."