Turkiye can help evacuate civilians, wounded in Ukraine's Mariupol: Defense minister

Baku, April 4, AZERTAC Turkiye can provide ship support for the evacuation of civilians and those wounded in Mariupol, the country’s defense minister said on Saturday, according to Anadolu Agency. “Coordination with Russian and Ukrainian officials in this regard is continuing,” Hulusi Akar told journalists. Akar said that Turkiye continues its diplomatic efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. Noting that he talked with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts on the phone many times and that he also met with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov in Istanbul, Akar underlined the importance of reaching a cease-fire as soon as possible to prevent further loss of life and ensure peace and stability. “As Turkiye, we continue to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine. Turkiye also gives its support regarding the evacuations. We will continue to support the Ukrainian people,” the minister said.