In Ankara, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi and First Lady Olena Zelenska participated in the opening of the newly built Ukrainian Embassy complex in Turkey. The future Ukrainian Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, Nariman Dzelal, was also present.
"It is an honor for me, my wife, the First Lady, and our team to be here in Turkey at the invitation of President Erdogan. This is an important official visit by our delegation at a time of trial. It is crucial that we have the support and friendly relations with Turkey, especially with President Erdogan personally," said the Head of State.
The embassy opened in Turkey today is the first to be built abroad since the full-scale Russian aggression. This project was initiated in 2019 when Andrii Sybiha, now Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, served as Ambassador to Turkey. Construction began in 2021, and despite the war, the President tasked its completion as an important contribution to strengthening Ukrainian-Turkish relations.
"I express great gratitude to the whole team that built this embassy, which will represent Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts in Turkey with dignity," emphasized Volodymyr Zelenskyi.
The President also spoke with representatives of the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar communities about their contributions to Ukraine’s post-war recovery, the release of political prisoners, and the return of occupied territories through diplomatic means.
"Diplomacy is vital because we want to avoid losing our people, which is the most precious thing Ukraine has. But everyone must understand that when Ukraine talks about diplomacy, it means a bloodless path to justice. Diplomacy does not mean giving up territories or the sovereignty of our state," stated Zelenskyi.
The President shared Ukraine’s position in the negotiation process toward a fair and lasting peace. He reminded of the ultimatums Russia presented to Ukraine in February-March 2022, particularly in Istanbul.
"If we didn’t give in to these ultimatums at the most difficult moment, where does the feeling come from that Ukraine will now agree? No agreements were made with the 'Russians' during the meeting in Turkey. As President of Ukraine, I didn’t guarantee or confirm anything to anyone. And I never intended to, nor will I, give in to Russia's ultimatums," Zelenskyi said.
The President also spoke about the security guarantees Ukraine requires. Our country supports Turkey's involvement in this process, and according to Volodymyr Zelenskyi, this will be one of the topics of his meeting with President Erdogan today.
