In a diplomatic effort to secure the release of Ukrainian citizens, including Crimean Tatars, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky handed over a list to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a meeting in Istanbul. The list contains the names of individuals who have been subjected to Russian repression and are currently being held in "extremely harsh and inhumane" conditions in Russian prisons.

President Zelensky expressed his gratitude for Turkey's mediation in achieving significant humanitarian results, but stressed the need for continued efforts. During a joint press conference in Istanbul, Zelensky emphasized the urgency of releasing all Ukrainian citizens, including both warriors and civilians who have been unlawfully detained.

"We must release them all, both warriors and civilians, those who were captured while defending their people, and those who suffer Russian repression simply because of who they are - Ukrainians, Crimean Tatars, everyone," President Zelensky stated. He mentioned specific names, such as Nariman Dzhelyal, Lenie Umerova, and Server Mustafayev, who are among the unlawfully detained Ukrainian citizens.

The Ukrainian President acknowledged Turkey's role in facilitating dialogue and hoped for a positive outcome in securing the release of the imprisoned individuals. He handed over the list to President Erdogan, seeking his support in advocating for their freedom.

The meeting between the two leaders comes as part of ongoing efforts to address the human rights violations against Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians in Russia-occupied territories. The Ukrainian government has been actively seeking international support to bring attention to the unjust treatment of its citizens and secure their release.

President Erdogan assured his commitment to the cause and pledged to use Turkey's influence to aid in the resolution of the crisis. The handover of the list marks a significant step towards garnering international support and bringing attention to the plight of the unlawfully detained Ukrainian citizens.

As the diplomatic efforts continue, both Ukraine and Turkey hope for a positive outcome that will lead to the release of all unlawfully detained individuals, providing them with justice and freedom from harsh and inhumane conditions in Russian prisons.