Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul on Saturday, Oct. 31, for a meeting focused on peace efforts, support for Ukraine and the return of abducted Ukrainian children.
The private discussion lasted approximately an hour at the Phanar, the headquarters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, according to its official statement. Bartholomew reiterated the Patriarchate’s support for the Ukrainian people and its prayers for peace and justice in their country.
The patriarch expressed hope that thousands of abducted Ukrainian children would soon return home and reunite with their families. He also voiced support for initiatives to resolve conflicts peacefully, both in Ukraine and elsewhere, the statement said.
Peace efforts, energy strikes and the Oleshky evacuation
Zelensky said he briefed Bartholomew on Ukraine’s work with international partners to achieve peace, including contacts with the United States. He also described continuing Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and other facilities essential to everyday life.
The two discussed the humanitarian operation in Oleshky, a Russian-occupied city in Ukraine’s Kherson region, from which people had been evacuated. Zelensky described the operation as an important result and said he hoped international pressure on Russia would allow further steps toward de-escalation.
“I thank His All-Holiness for his consistent public stance, his support for our country, and his continued prayers for peace in Ukraine,” Zelensky said in his account of the meeting. The Ukrainian presidency’s statement also highlighted his gratitude for Bartholomew’s support.
Visit ahead of Bartholomew’s enthronement anniversary
Zelensky congratulated the patriarch ahead of the 35th anniversary of his enthronement, which falls on Monday, Nov. 2. Bartholomew was enthroned on that date in 1991, following his election on Oct. 22.
The Patriarchate described Saturday’s visit as Zelensky’s fifth since his election as president. His previous visit took place in April, when their discussions also addressed Ukrainian children and efforts to secure peace.
During that earlier meeting, Zelensky thanked Bartholomew for assistance to military families and the “Warmth for Ukraine” initiative, which supplies energy equipment to affected regions, according to Ukraine’s presidency.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accompanied Zelensky on Saturday. After the private meeting, Bartholomew blessed the other members of the Ukrainian delegation in the Throne Room and escorted the president to the entrance of the Patriarchate.
The visit formed part of Zelensky’s trip to Turkey, which also included talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Their discussions covered peace efforts and bilateral cooperation, according to the Ukrainian presidency.
