Ukrainian, Turkish presidents discuss preparations for NATO summit

Zelensky said this at a news conference in Istanbul, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"Today we touched on the key issues of our cooperation within NATO as well, particularly preparations for the summit in Vilnius. In our conversation, I raised the issue of inviting Ukraine to NATO, and I was glad to hear that the president said that Ukraine deserves to become a member of the alliance," he said.

Erdogan said earlier that Turkey supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and that the country deserves to be a NATO member. Turkey is also ready to make efforts to establish a just peace and actively participate in the rebuilding of Ukraine.

The NATO summit is to be held in the Lithuanian capital on July 11-12.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine