Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew meets President Zelensky in Istanbul

On Saturday, October 31, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul, marking his fifth visit to the institution since assuming the presidency. Following his arrival, President Zelensky held a private, one-hour meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Patriarchal Office.

During the meeting, Patriarch Bartholomew reaffirmed the Ecumenical Patriarchate's continued support for the Ukrainian people amid the ongoing conflict. A central focus of the discussion was the urgent need for peace and justice in Ukraine. The Patriarch specifically called for the return of thousands of Ukrainian children who have been forcibly relocated and separated from their families during the war.

This visit follows a previous meeting between the two leaders held in early April 2026. The Ecumenical Patriarchate emphasized that the Church remains committed to praying for peace and supporting the suffering population of Ukraine, maintaining its stance on the humanitarian situation in the country.