Erdoğan, Zelensky discuss situation at ZNPP, Russian sham referenda.

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke by phone with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss successful prisoner swap, the situation at Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), as well as the sham referenda organized by Russia in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

"President Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke by phone with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. The call addressed the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war. President Erdoğan noted that he is very glad since the exchange of war prisoners between Russia and Ukraine has been carried out successfully after a long period of preparation," the press service of the Turkish President said on Twitter.

Drawing attention to the successful functioning of the agreement on Ukrainian grain shipment through the Black Sea, Erdoğan stressed that "a similar approach can be taken as regards Zaporizhia NPP, and reiterated Turkey's offer to act as a mediator and facilitator for the formation of a demilitarized zone around the power plant."

"Holding unilateral referendums in Ukrainian regions that are under Russian control will undermine efforts aimed at reviving the diplomatic process, the President stressed, adding that Turkey stands ready to provide every kind of support for the settlement of the war through peaceful negotiations," the press service said.

According to the press service of the Ukrainian President, during the conversation, Turkey's key role in organizing the work of the grain initiative and establishing the export of Ukrainian agricultural products through the Black Sea was noted. The parties said that since its launch, 235 ships with 5.4 million tonnes of agricultural products for the countries of Asia, Europe and Africa have left Ukrainian ports. Hope was expressed for the further smooth functioning of the grain initiative to prevent a global food crisis.

Zelensky thanked the Turkish side for its unwavering support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. He also thanked official Ankara for its principled position on non-recognition of sham referenda.

"The goal of the illegal sham referenda that Russia held in the occupied territories of Ukraine is the annexation of new Ukrainian lands. The world community must give the toughest possible response to Russia's actions," Zelensky said.

The presidents also discussed bilateral contacts to be held in the near future.

Tags: #erdogan #zaporizhia_npp #zelensky