Zelensky, Erdoğan discuss terrorist attack at Kakhovka HPP, return of prisoners, grain agreement

“Had a phone call with President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Spoke about the humanitarian and environmental consequences of the Russian act of terrorism at the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, including risks for the ZNPP. Handed over a list of Ukraine's urgent needs to eliminate the disaster,” Zelensky posted on Telegram.

He also noted that Türkiye's voice is important when it comes to the withdrawal of occupation troops from Ukrainian territory and the return of our illegally detained citizens, in particular Crimean Tatars.

Moreover, the leaders discussed the continuation and expansion of the grain initiative.

In turn, the President of Türkiye suggested creating an international commission to investigate the explosion at the Kakhovka HPP.

"Erdoğan said that a commission may be created with the participation of experts from the warring parties, the UN, and the international community, including Turkey, for a detailed investigation into the explosion at the Kakhovka dam," reads the statement by the communications directorate of the Administration of the President of Türkiye.

Erdoğan also expressed readiness to do everything possible for the investigation and mentioned the possibility of using the negotiation method, as in the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

"He emphasized that it will not be possible to prevent daily humanitarian losses as long as conflicts continue, therefore the idea of returning to negotiations should dominate. Erdoğan said that they will resolutely continue their efforts to establish a just peace," the directorate quotes Erdoğan as saying.

In addition, the Turkish leader informed Russian President Vladimir Putin of his proposal to create the commission.

During this conversation, Erdoğan also stated that "it is expedient to continue consultations with the UN regarding the removal of obstacles to the export of Russian grain and fertilizers."

As reported, the Russian army blew up the Kakhovka HPP dam on the night of June 6. In Kherson region, the evacuation of the population from dangerous places, which are at risk of flooding due to the explosion, has begun. Law enforcement officers have initiated an investigation under the article "ecocide". Ukrhydroenergo hydro power generating company stated that the Kakhovka HPP is completely destroyed and cannot be restored.