Erdogan likely to talk to Putin this week, Zaporizhzhia NPP to be on agenda: Report

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to hold a telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart Vlimir Putin this week. During talks, Erdogan is likely to discuss situation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and Ukraine crisis with Putin, Sputnik reported citing a source.  decision of Recep Tayyip Erdogan comes after he visited Ukraine.

During his visit, he held a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Lviv. During meeting, Erdogan, UN Guterres and Zelenskyy discussed grain export initiative, situation around Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, protection and liberation of Ukrainian prisoners of war and setting up a Special Tribunal on crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine, according to statement released on Ukraine President's website. 

In joint press briefing after trilateral summit with Zelenskyy and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Erdogan expressed concern over conflict around Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. He stressed that y "do t want to experience a new Cherbyl." Erdogan said, "I maintain my belief that war will eventually end at negotiating table. In fact, Zelenskyy and Guterres echo this view." He furr ded, "What matters is to find shortest and fairest way to negotiating table." He also spoke about agreement signed between Russia, Ukraine, UN and Turkey in Istanbul which enabled export of Ukrainian grain from Black Sea port. tably, Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has been seized by Russia shortly after Russian forces started an offensive in Ukraine on February 24. 

'We do t want a new Cherbyl': Erdogan

Speaking to reporters on his return flight from Ukraine, Erdogan stated that Zelenskyy has requested that Russia must remove all planted mines and or military equipment from Zaporizhzhia. Erdogan stated that he will discuss issue with Russian President Vlimir Putin and emphasise that Moscow must act for ensuring world peace. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy in his video dress on 19 August, stressed that this summer might be one of "most tragic of all time" for various European nations if Russia continues to "blackmail with riation." He stated that restoration of full security at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and Enerhodar can start with a mission to plant.

"We do t want a new Cherbyl. We will discuss this issue with President Putin and specifically request that Russia play its part as a crucial step toward achieving world peace. y need to take this step," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters. 

Im: AP