Zelensky hands list of war prisoners to Erdoğan, meets with Turkish defense companies

Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky met with representatives of the Turkish defense industry and handed over a list of citizens held captive by Russia to President Recep Erdogan.

The Ukrainian leader said that agreements on joint projects had been reached at all levels in the defense sector.

"I met with representatives of the Turkish defense industry – we are ready to move as quickly as possible to implement everything we discussed. I am very pleased with the conversation with the defense companies, and therefore with the results that will be achieved. I am confident that they will be strong," Zelensky said during a meeting with media representatives in Istanbul.

Ukraine's leader said the state is ready to quickly resolve issues of economic cooperation with Turkey, in particular in the reconstruction of our country, as well as to facilitate the implementation of bilateral agreements.

"Ukraine and Turkey together strengthen each other and our entire region. We are working to jointly produce weapons that will strengthen our region. There are already Turkish business representatives in Ukraine. This is our strategic direction of cooperation – more power for our nations."

Zelensky handed over to his Turkish counterpart a list of Ukrainian citizens held captive by Russia.

Thanks to Turkey's mediation, Ukraine has already achieved "significant results" in the release of captured civilians and soldiers.

The list includes Crimean Tatars who have been oppressed and held in prisons in Russia.

"We must release them all: both soldiers and civilians. Both those who were captured while defending their people and those who are subjected to Russian repression just because of who he or she is, Ukrainians, Crimean Tatars, everyone."

On March 8, Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Istanbul for a visit. During the meeting with his counterpart, the president emphasized his interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation and joint production with Turkish defense companies.

Ukraine and Turkey have already begun to build a plant for the production of drones in the Kyiv region.