In May 2025, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Nariman Celal as Ukraine's Ambassador to Turkey. Last week, Celal presented his credentials to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In an interview with Ukrainian journalists in Ankara, the diplomat spoke about key aspects of Ukrainian-Turkish relations, including the talks between Ukraine and Russia that took place in Ankara, Turkey's position in these negotiations, and the priority areas he will focus on to further strengthen the partnership between the two countries.

Mr. Ambassador, with your permission, I would like to start with a personal question. It is no secret that you are not a career diplomat. Your multifaceted experience in journalism and as Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis will undoubtedly be an asset in your new position. At the same time, did you expect this appointment? What was the first reaction of you and your family?

• It was certainly an unexpected offer and one that cannot be refused. Being appointed Ambassador is a great honor and a great responsibility at the same time.

I am grateful for this trust placed in me by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and will do everything in my power to not only justify it, but also to be a worthy representative of the people of Ukraine.

I am also very grateful to my family for their support, as this decision came as a surprise to them. The need to leave my native Crimea, my beloved home, to move twice, first from Crimea to Kyiv and now from Kyiv to Ankara, requires a lot of endurance and love.

My youngest daughter, who is only 4 years old, immediately set the conditions under which she would agree to go with me. The good thing is that I am still able to fulfill her demands, so I have the heroic support of the whole family here in Ankara.

The ceasefire remains a priority for Ukraine. In May and June of this year, two meetings were held in Turkey with the participation of the Ukrainian and Russian sides. How do you assess these negotiations? To what extent did they meet Ukraine's goals? What was Russia's position during the negotiations and what were its demands for a ceasefire?

• The issue of the ceasefire is indeed a key one for Ukraine, and Ukraine has never compromised on this priority. But we also firmly adhere to our principled position: peace is only possible if it is just.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized that there can be no “freezing” of the conflict or compromises at the expense of Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty or future. This is not a bargaining chip for us.

The meetings in Turkey in May and June had a clearly defined humanitarian focus: the exchange of prisoners and the return of the bodies of the dead. In this context, the meetings were in line with Ukraine's goals - where results can be achieved without concessions on fundamental issues, we work.

The Russian side, on the other hand, has not demonstrated any constructiveness.

They are the ones who constantly remove the ceasefire from the agenda, despite any public statements, because their true intentions are clearly seen by Ukrainians and the whole world in the daily shelling of Ukrainian cities.

Their demands look like ultimatums, have nothing to do with reality, and completely disregard the basic principles of international law. However, we are sincerely grateful to Turkey for its efforts - it is thanks to its mediation that such difficult conversations are possible at all.

Ukraine remains open to dialogue, but only with the aim of achieving a just peace. We clearly articulate that only the complete withdrawal of Russian troops, the restoration of control over all temporarily occupied territories and security guarantees can form the basis for a just peace.

Therefore, Ukraine today is not a party that evades negotiations. On the contrary. We are talking to everyone who sincerely wants peace. But we will not allow our state to be forced to capitulate under the guise of a need for compromise.

The agreement on the exchange of prisoners reached in Istanbul has been implemented for some time. During this process, it became known that Russia, in particular in the case of the exchange of bodies of the dead, is also handing over the bodies of its military. Were there other steps taken by Russia to disrupt this process? In addition, we see that Crimean Tatars are not included in the exchanges. In your opinion, what is the main reason for this?

• Unfortunately, the Russian Federation demonstrates a complete disregard for humanitarian law. To begin with, according to all international law, civilians cannot be held as prisoners of war and are subject to immediate release if detained.

As we can see, it is the Russians who are using even this factor for bargaining, no matter how unacceptable it may be.

At the same time, we have repeatedly encountered Russia's attempts to artificially delay the exchange process, impose additional conditions, and sometimes outright sabotage the agreements reached. Even such a seemingly humane step as the return of the bodies of the dead is used by the Kremlin for purely political purposes.

As for the exclusion from the exchanges of representatives of the indigenous people of Ukraine - the Crimean Tatars - this is not an accident or a technical error. This is a deliberate, consistent policy of the occupation regime, which has been waging a targeted campaign of repression against Crimean Tatars since 2014.

The attack is aimed at those who do not remain silent about the occupation, who defend the truth.

Crimean Tatars have been targeted by Russian terror not because they broke the law, but because they continued to resist. They are being isolated, convicted on trumped-up charges, and kept in colonies as “exemplary punishment.” That is why they are not included in the exchange lists - the Kremlin wants to use them as a symbolic intimidation for others.

We will not tolerate discrimination based on ethnicity. And we will insist that representatives of the Crimean Tatar people illegally detained by Russia be returned home - like all our citizens.

One of the ultimate goals of the talks in Istanbul is to organize a meeting at the highest, leadership level. In this context, Russia is actually trying to find an excuse to prevent such a meeting from taking place and is questioning the legitimacy of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. What is the position of the Ukrainian state on this issue?

• Ukraine's position is absolutely clear and is based on the Constitution, legal norms and the principle of continuity of state power. There is no reason to doubt the legitimacy of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy after May 20, 2024.

The conditions of martial law do not provide for the possibility of holding elections, and therefore, according to the law, elections can only be called after it ends - within 30 days. It is not only the right but also the duty of the current President to ensure stability, governance and defense of the country in the face of full-scale aggression.

Attempts by the Russian side to question the legitimacy of the President of Ukraine are just political manipulation and another information attack.

This is done, first, to delegitimize the Ukrainian government both domestically and internationally. Secondly, to avoid a meeting at the level of the leaders of the countries to negotiate a ceasefire.

We urge our partners to be vigilant to such attempts, because such narratives directly play into the hands of Kremlin propaganda. And our partners demonstrate an absolute understanding of the situation: our president has close contacts with the leaders of most countries.

Ukraine is a state governed by the rule of law, fighting not only for its borders but also for the rule of international law. And the President of Ukraine today remains not only the legitimate head of state, but also the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, a symbol of resistance and unity of the Ukrainian people.

He personally arrived in the Turkish capital in May and was ready for negotiations, as he had informed us the day before. But who came from the Russian side? Ukraine, headed by the current President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was and remains ready to negotiate a ceasefire, but with whom to talk?

How do you assess Turkey's role in these negotiations? What is its position from Ukraine's point of view?

• Turkey plays an important role as a mediator in the negotiations. It is one of the few countries that maintains channels of communication with both sides of the war - and, at the same time, consistently demonstrates the political will to contribute to a just peace.

The very fact that meetings between the Ukrainian and Russian sides are possible on a Turkish platform demonstrates the level of trust in Ankara as a responsible partner.

Since the beginning of the full-scale aggression, Turkey has clearly stated its non-recognition of the occupation of Crimea and other territories of Ukraine. We highly appreciate this consistency, as it is based not only on diplomacy, but also on respect for international law and the principles of territorial integrity.

We are grateful to the Republic of Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally for their active diplomatic engagement in peace initiatives, including assistance in prisoner exchanges, the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and the provision of negotiation platforms. That is why we tirelessly recognize our partner Turkey as a consistent regional leader and one of the leading countries in the world.

At the same time, we realize that even the strongest and most honest mediator cannot achieve results if one of the parties - in this case, Russia - has no intention of ending the war.

Russia's war against Ukraine has been going on for eleven years since the occupation of Crimea in 2014, and it is now in its fourth year of full-scale invasion. What part of Ukrainian territory is currently under occupation? In which regions are the most fierce hostilities taking place now? What, in your opinion, are the priority needs of Ukraine to strengthen its defense?

• Currently, parts of the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine, including Crimea, remain under temporary occupation. However, the Ukrainian Defense Forces are holding the front and maintaining resilience in extremely difficult conditions.

Russia's plans were to completely seize Ukraine in three days. Thanks to Ukrainian resistance, Russia's plans have changed. Despite their desire to occupy Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Odesa regions and annex them as soon as possible, as we can see, thanks to the efforts of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, these plans were also not realized.

During the full-scale invasion, Russia has already lost more than a million soldiers and tens of thousands of pieces of equipment, which demonstrates not only the scale of the confrontation but also the determination of the Ukrainian people to defend their land.

Today, the fiercest fighting is taking place in the east of the country - in the areas of Pokrovsk, Lyman, Kupyansk and Kramatorsk. Every day, the Ukrainian army repels dozens of attacks, and the number of combat engagements sometimes exceeds two hundred per day. Russia is actively using aviation, guided bombs, and kamikaze drones, and is launching massive artillery and missile attacks on Ukrainian positions and civilian infrastructure.

At the same time, Ukrainian defenders are demonstrating extraordinary courage and professionalism. In order to maintain its defense capabilities and deter the enemy, Ukraine needs clear, systematic support from its partners in the form of weapons, ammunition, air defense equipment, and technological assistance.

This is critical not only for stabilizing the frontline, but also for preventing new attempts at a large-scale offensive by the aggressor.

Ukraine continues to fight not only for itself, but for the values that are common to the entire free world. That is why supporting our defense is not a gesture of solidarity, but a contribution to the future security of Europe and the entire democratic space.

Of course, the war is the main agenda of Ukraine as a country fighting against the war on the ground, which has been going on since 2022, and against the occupation since 2014. But there are other areas that need to be discussed. In this regard, what areas will you prioritize during your tenure as Ambassador to further improve relations between Turkey and Ukraine as strategic partners? What are the potential areas of development?

Ukraine and Turkey maintain a dynamic political dialogue at the highest level. At the same time, we are actively promoting other key areas: from the implementation of defense and industrial projects to cooperation in infrastructure, trade, and investment. The ratification of the Free Trade Agreement is nearing completion, and economic cooperation is expanding, including Turkey's participation in Ukraine's reconstruction.

It is worth noting Turkey's important role as a mediator, both in the peace process and in the implementation of humanitarian initiatives, including the grain deal.

The potential of our relations is inexhaustible. In the face of global challenges, Ukraine and Turkey have every reason to be allies in shaping a new security architecture in the Black Sea region.

We want to conduct an open, systematic dialogue with our Turkish friends, focused on concrete results and tangible effects of our strategic partnership.

Turkey is a country with a large Crimean Tatar community. What areas of cooperation with the diaspora will be in the focus of the Embassy?

• The Crimean Tatar community in Turkey plays an important role in preserving historical memory, building humanitarian ties and developing interpersonal contacts between Ukraine and the Republic of Turkey. Its activities in the field of culture, education and historical memory strengthen interstate understanding and serve as a natural bridge for dialogue.

The Embassy will continue to promote initiatives that strengthen these ties on the basis of mutual respect, continuity and cooperation.

Turkey is home to the world's largest Crimean Tatar community, and therefore, its opportunities are wider. We highly appreciate the solidarity shown by the Crimean Tatar community in Turkey with the Ukrainian people, its clear pro-Ukrainian position, which strengthens the international front of resistance to the aggressor.

What is the current situation in Crimea after 11 years of occupation? What are the conditions of political prisoners?

• After 11 years of occupation, the situation in Crimea remains critical, despite Russia's constant attempts to create the illusion of “peace” and “development.” Behind the signboard of demonstrative construction projects and television programs are systemic repressions, illegal searches, arrests, rigged trials, and real sentences.

Crimean Tatars, journalists, and civic activists are particularly targeted. The so-called “trials” have long been a tool of intimidation and terror. But anyone who believes that anyone in the occupied Crimea, if they do not belong to the Crimean Tatars or behave as passively as possible, is safe, is deeply mistaken. Anyone can become a victim of the Russian occupation regime.

Political prisoners are held in harsh conditions: without proper medical care, often without access to lawyers, without basic rights. This is a direct violation of international humanitarian law. And we constantly emphasize this on all international platforms.

In addition to open pressure, there is also a constant background of “invisible” harassment. For example, the occupation authorities regularly broadcast programs in the information space where they allegedly debunk “fakes” about the oppression of Crimean Tatars - they say that it is possible to study in Ukrainian, but they keep silent about the fact that parents have to overcome a lot of obstacles to do so.

And although this process looks “simple” formally, in reality it is a risky action that immediately attracts the attention of special services. It is a constant psychological pressure that makes people keep silent. And this is the true face of the occupation.

Among political prisoners, I want to ask about two people separately. Like all those illegally detained, these two were also imprisoned under a so-called sentence. Do you have the opportunity to follow the current situation of Asan Akhtemov and Aziz Akhtemov, who were detained together with you? Is there any news about the possible release of these individuals?

• Yes, I am constantly monitoring their fate and the fate of dozens of our compatriots illegally detained by the Russian Federation. We continue to work to ensure that they, like other Ukrainian political prisoners, are able to return home.

We are currently working through diplomatic and human rights channels, including exchange mechanisms. We do not leave any of our people unattended. We are making every effort to get them back home. The problem is that Russia does not want to release them, constantly removing their names from the exchange lists.

From time to time, there are statements, in particular from the US, that for the sake of peace, Ukraine may give up Crimea. What is your position?

• The position of Ukraine, the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar peoples is unchanged: Crimea is Ukraine. This was loudly stated at a rally on February 26, 2014 in Simferopol, and our president has been constantly emphasizing this today.

Any attempt to call territorial integrity into question is unacceptable. We do not trade territories, freedom or people. And we expect our partners, regardless of the political situation, to adhere to the principles that protect international law. The issue of Crimea is not a matter of bargaining, but of justice.

And finally. As a newly appointed ambassador, what would you like to say to Turkish readers? Do you have a message or appeal to the Turkish people?

• My main message to the Turkish people is words of deep respect, gratitude and solidarity. Ukraine today is not just fighting a war - we are fighting for our right to be a free, independent, sovereign state on our own land.

This is our national liberation struggle - for the return of our territories, our citizens, and our future.

In this sense, Turkey, like no other, can understand what the Ukrainian people are going through today. After all, your history has its own Kurtuluş Savaşı, the national liberation struggle of 1919-1922 that shaped the modern Republic of Turkey. Ukrainians, like the Turks a hundred years ago, stand on their own land, not trying to conquer someone else's, but only seeking to expel the occupier and defend their home, their identity, and their state.

Although I have only recently arrived in Turkey, I have already heard sincere words of support for Ukraine, both in diplomatic circles and in conversations with people in everyday life, who asked me to convey to the Ukrainian people that Turkey is with us. This is the greatest value. And we are eternally grateful for it.

The world recognizes Turkey as an important regional leader and a country that can talk to everyone. And that is why we have special respect for our strategic partner.

We are confident that this solidarity will continue to have concrete manifestations, because in such historical moments as these, true friendship is manifested not only in words but also in actions. And I believe that our partnership is not only a political alliance, but a deep human solidarity that goes through history and trials.