UPDATE - Ukraine’s Zelenskyy thanks Türkiye’s efforts in achieving ‘serious humanitarian results’

CHANGES HEADLINE, LEDE; ADDS REMARKS FROM UKRAINE'S PRESIDENT

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that his country achieved “serious humanitarian results” on the rescue of nationals in Russian captivity thanks to Türkiye’s efforts.

Speaking at a joint news conference with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Istanbul, Zelenskyy thanked the Turkish president and people for their support for Kyiv’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.

Expressing that they held a very productive and friendly meeting with Erdogan, Zelenskyy said he gave his counterpart a list of Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia, especially composed of Crimean Tatars.

"We must free them all, both soldiers and civilians, and those who were captured while defending their people," said Zelenskyy.

He said he and Erdogan paid significant attention to his peace formula and he informed him about preparations for the peace summit in Switzerland later this year.

"Türkiye's special role deserves the leadership of your state to be present at the peace summit and in the joint work of the world majority for the full implementation of the peace formula," he said.

Regarding bilateral ties, Ukraine's president said his country devoted a lot of time to discussing cooperation in the defense sphere, both at the government level and at the level of companies, and it reached certain agreements.

Expressing his satisfaction in meeting with representatives of Türkiye's business world, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is "ready to move towards the maximum operational implementation of the projects discussed," which he argued will be "strong,"

Zelenskyy said the two countries are working for "joint arms and ammunition" production, adding that it has a "strategic" aspect.

He also said food security was discussed, underlining the importance of the Black Sea region.

"Our corridor works quickly. Many ships passed through there. I am sure we can do more. More than 30 million grains have already passed through that corridor," he said.

Zelenskyy arrived in Türkiye earlier in the day with a delegation that also included Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.