Ukraine ready to ratify free trade agreement with Turkey, Zelenskyy

Ukraine is prepared to ratify a free trade agreement with Turkey, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced. Speaking in Kyiv during a meeting with a Turkish business and government delegation this week, Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of strengthening economic ties between the two nations.

The Ukrainian leader met with Turkey’s Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and Agriculture Minister İbrahim Yumaklı to discuss bilateral relations, defence cooperation, and post-war reconstruction efforts.

“It is important that Turkish business is already represented in Ukraine. Our country appreciates this, as well as Turkey’s support and assistance, especially the supply of Bayraktar drones,” Zelenskyy said.

He also emphasised discussions on joint efforts to establish a just and lasting peace, alongside exploring opportunities for collaboration in drone production and reconstruction projects.

Ukraine regards Turkey as a strategic partner both economically and in terms of security guarantees, the president said. He added that Kyiv was ready to finalise the free trade agreement during an upcoming visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, though no date has been confirmed.

Turkey has played a significant role in Ukraine’s defence capabilities, with Turkish-made Bayraktar drones widely used by Ukrainian forces. Ankara has also positioned itself as a key mediator between Kyiv and Moscow since the start of the war, including brokering the now-suspended Black Sea grain deal.