Ukraine, Turkey Pres. Meet in Istanbul 04/10 12:26
ISTANBUL (AP) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Istanbul on
Saturday to meet with Turkey's president.
A statement from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office said the
two leaders would discuss bilateral relations, characterizing them at a
"strategic partnership level."
Zelenskyy's visit to Turkey comes amid renewed tensions in eastern Ukraine,
where Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed separatists have been fighting since
2014. In a visit to troops there this week, Zelenskyy said breaches of a July
truce were increasing. Separatists authorities have also accused Ukrainian
forces of violating the cease-fire.
Russia has reinforced its troops along the border and warned Ukraine against
trying to retake control of the separatist-controlled territory. Kyiv rejects
that it is preparing for an offensive. The Russian military buildup has raised
concerns in the United States and Europe.
The Turkish and Russian presidents spoke on the phone Friday. Among the
issues discussed was Ukraine. The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin
expressed concern that Ukraine "recently resumed dangerous provocations on the
contact line."
Turkey is a NATO member. But Erdogan and Putin have forged a close personal
relationship, sealing energy and trade deals. They have also negotiated for
opposing sides in conflicts, including Syria, Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh.
Erdogan's office also said he would discuss with Zelenskyy the living
conditions of Crimean Tatars, who have ethnic links to Turks. Moscow annexed
the Crimean Peninsula in 2014.