Discussing Mariupol With President Zelensky, Erdogan Is Ready To Provide What He Can Do

President Erdoan meets delegations of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, Turkey. (Source: Presidency of The Republic of Turkiye)

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that his party discussed the issue of Russian-occupied Mariupol on Sunday, regarding the need for the immediate evacuation of civilians.

He said the two spoke, on the eve of the Turkish president's talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, about the evacuation of Mariupol, including the besieged but Ukrainian-controlled Azovstal factory.

"I stress the need for the immediate evacuation of civilians from Mariupol, including Azovstal, and the immediate exchange of blocked troops," President Zelensky wrote on Twitter.

Turkey, which is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), shares maritime borders with Ukraine and Russia on the Black Sea, and has good relations with both countries. Turkey supports Ukraine, but opposes sanctions against Moscow.

Separately, the Turkish Presidency said President Erdogan conveyed to President Zelensky during a phone call that the evacuation of the injured and civilians in Mariupol must be ensured, as the situation is getting more deplorable by the day.

"President Erdogan said he was ready to provide all the assistance he could during the negotiation process and offered the necessary support, including mediation," the statement read.

President Erdogan also said Turkey in principle views the guarantor issue positively.

Ukrainian negotiators said late last month that Kyiv had proposed adopting neutral status in exchange for security guarantees at talks with Russia in Turkey, meaning it would not join any military alliance or host military bases.

Last Saturday, President Zelensky said Ukraine wanted the United States to agree to be one of its security guarantors, to protect it from future threats.