Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul

The Head of State briefed the Ecumenical Patriarch on the situation at the front and the recent crimes of the aggressor against Ukrainian civilians.

The President thanked His All Holiness for his unwavering support of our country, prayers for peace, condemnation of aggression and crimes, comprehensive assistance to Ukrainians who suffered due to Russia's war against Ukraine.

"I want to thank His All Holiness. Today is an important day – our struggle has been going on for 500 days – since the full-scale invasion. We have the support of His All Holiness, prayers for our soldiers, for the nation, for our people, for life in Ukraine," the Head of State said.

Zelenskyy said that the Ukrainian Peace Formula and the return of children illegally deported from Ukraine were discussed at the meeting.

For his part, His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew noted the importance of achieving peace in Ukraine.

"The Ecumenical Patriarchate as the Mother Church of all Orthodox in Ukraine is always on their side," the Ecumenical Patriarch said.

"I want to wish for the return of all the POWs and all the children who are now far from their homes," Patriarch Bartholomew added.