– Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today stressed the importance of his country's territorial integrity and reiterated the need for Ukraine to receive security guarantees during his official visit to Turkey, reports the Interfax news agency. Anatolia.

"As a state, we want peace, we want an end to the war. But we want that end to be based on certain security guarantees. We expect these security guarantees to be provided to us by the United States, the EU, Turkey and all of Europe," Zelensky said at the opening ceremony of the new Ukrainian embassy building in Ankara.

President Zelensky stressed that Ukraine will never give up its territorial integrity and sovereignty, emphasizing that it cannot act contrary to the Ukrainian Constitution.

"We will never, under any circumstances, recognize our temporarily occupied territories as part of Russia. They are part of Ukraine," he said.

Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine would regain its territories through diplomatic means, adding: "We don't want to lose our people - they are our greatest asset."

He noted that these issues will also be a topic of discussion at his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

His country's role in mediation and humanitarian efforts

Zelensky indicated that he had constructive talks with Erdogan, emphasizing Turkey's significant role as a mediator in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

He particularly highlighted Turkey's efforts in exchanging prisoners and ensuring food security.

"Returning Ukrainians home remains our priority," he said, expressing gratitude to Turkey for its assistance in establishing a corridor for the export of Ukrainian grain.

"Thanks to Turkey's efforts, we managed to establish a food corridor. But because of Russia, this corridor was disrupted, which led to a shortage of food products for people around the world, especially those in greatest need," Zelensky said.

He thanked all countries working to maintain food security, pointing to the deliveries of Ukrainian grain to African countries and Syria.

– Symbolic opening of the Embassy –

The Ukrainian president described the opening of the new embassy as "symbolic," noting the presence of representatives from Ukraine and the Crimean Tatar diaspora.

He stressed that this project had received his full support from the very beginning, and praised the role of Andriy Sibiha, the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs and former ambassador to Ankara.

As part of Ukraine's diplomatic efforts, Zelensky announced the appointment of Neriman Celal as the new Ukrainian ambassador to Ankara.

– Diplomacy to end war –

Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine remains committed to diplomacy as a means of ending the war, calling on all mediators, including Russia, the United States and Europe, to engage in meaningful negotiations.

However, he was clear that Ukraine would not accept any outcome that would threaten its territorial integrity or sovereignty.

"Ukraine recognizes the Crimean Tatars as an indigenous people of Ukraine," Zelensky stressed, reiterating Kiev's position that it will return the occupied territories through diplomatic means, but without compromising on the country's sovereignty.