Erdogan-Zelensky phone conversation: The evacuation of civilians must be organised

In their conversation, Erdogan told Zelensky that an evacuation should be organised for the injured and civilians from Marioupol, where the situation is becoming more sad every day.

In a Twitter post Sunday, Zelensky said that on the eve of Erdogan's call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he stressed the need for the immediate evacuation of civilians from Mariupol, including Azovstal, and immediate exchange of blocked troops.

The two leaders' remarks echo Sunday's calls by the International Committee on the Red Cross to provide immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to Mariupoli so that it can become the voluntary evacuation of civilians.

Turkey has previously offered the evacuation of people stranded in the ship-torn city. Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar told reporters in early April that the country could provide ship support for evacuations from Marioupol.

On Sunday, Erdogan reiterated Turkey's readiness to provide any necessary assistance in the negotiation process between Russia and Ukraine, claiming he has a positive view of the issue of guarantees.

Zelensky said he also raised issues about Ukraine's defence and global food safety capabilities, stressing the threat posed by the Black Sea navigation blockade.