Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday said that Ukraine sees Turkey as a partner in security guarantees for his country, expressing Kyiv’s readiness to ratify a free trade agreement between the two nations.

It was learnt that NATO member, Turkey, has balanced ties with Kyiv and Moscow since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Turkey has also reportedly maintained good ties with both, supporting Ukraine militarily and backing its territorial integrity, while refusing to join sanctions on Russia.

Zelenskyy on Thursday met Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat and Agriculture Minister Ibrahim Yumakli in Kyiv, and discussed bilateral ties, cooperation in drone production, and Turkish firms’ involvement in Ukraine’s reconstruction.

“It is important that Turkish businesses are already present in Ukraine. Our country appreciates this, as well as Türkiye’s support and assistance, particularly the supply of Bayraktar drones.

“Ukraine considers Türkiye one of its strategic partners, as well as a partner in terms of security guarantees, and is ready to ratify the Free Trade Agreement with Türkiye during President (Tayyip) Erdogan’s upcoming visit,” Zelenskyy said on X.

Turkey a partner in security guarantees – Zelenskyy