Davit Kachkachishvili
30 March 2022•Update: 31 March 2022
KYIV, Ukraine
The Ukrainian community appreciates Turkiye’s political steps taken to end the war that Russia launched on Ukraine on Feb. 24.
Anadolu Agency interviewed Ukrainian civilians in downtown Kyiv to hear their perspective of the mediation process led by Turkiye for lasting peace.
"I was born and grew in Kyiv and am really worried about the ongoing war in my country," said a young Ukrainian woman, Irina. "Many countries support us, but Turkiye's support, in particular, is crucial."
She thanked Ankara for providing a safe environment ensuring the continuation of the negotiation process with Russia but noted that Ukrainians did not actually trust Russia during this process.
Artiom, another resident of Kyiv, said Ukraine was fully aware of Turkiye's support and its president's warm approach towards Ukrainians and that they welcome the support of the Turkish people.
Denis Adamenko is another Ukrainian whose life was deeply affected by the war as he was displaced due to Russian attacks, while he is hopeful that a positive outcome could come out of negotiation efforts in Istanbul.
"We feel the significant support of Turkiye. People usually expect positive outcomes from negotiations. Our will is that these negotiations bring beneficial results," Adamenko said.
Noting that Russia suffered heavy casualties amid the raging war, he said Russian forces began to withdraw from the Kyiv region.
Turkiye provides us with support and confidence, he added.
Russia's war on Ukraine, which began on Feb. 24, has drawn international outrage, with the EU, US, and UK, among others, implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.
At least 1,189 civilians have been killed and 1,901 have been injured in Ukraine, with the true figure likely to be much higher, according to the UN.
More than 4 million Ukrainians have also fled to other countries, with millions more internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.
* Writing by Ali Murat Alhas in Ankara.
