Ukraine launches Turkey-made naval ship, as first-lady Olena Zelenska meets Emine Erdogan in Istanbul

Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska launched a Turkish-made ship in Istanbul on Sunday which will eventually join Ukraine's naval fleet in the war against Russia.

Zelenska, the wife of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, has visited Turkey to thank Ankara for its critical medical assistance and for hosting 1,300 orphaned Ukrainian children since Russia launched an invasion of the country in February.

In Turkey's biggest city, she met President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's wife Emine and praised Ankara's efforts in easing the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

"Was glad to meet the First Lady @EmineErdogan in Turkey. Discussed the future evacuation here of orphanages from Odesa. Also told about @Zelenska_FND, through which you can help Ukraine even more effectively," Zelenska tweeted.

Was glad to meet the First Lady @EmineErdogan in Turkey. Discussed the future evacuation here of orphanages from Odesa. Also told about @Zelenska_FND, through which you can help Ukraine even more effectively. I am grateful to Mrs.
Emine for understanding and 🇺🇦 children safety. pic.twitter.com/XQmbpbGtPM

— Олена Зеленська (@ZelenskaUA) October 2, 2022

"I am grateful to Mrs. Emine for understanding and [Ukrainian] children safety."

Emine Erdogan, who has played a key role in humanitarian causes and particularly with children, welcomed the visit from the Ukrainian first lady.

"I was happy to host my dear friend Olena Zelenska, the wife of the President of Ukraine, in Istanbul," she tweeted.

NATO member Turkey has not taken picked sides during the war but has provided drones to Ukraine which have been critical in Kyiv's fightback against Russia.

Ankara has also played a critical diplomatic role in the war, facilitating the export of Ukrainian wheat to the world following a Russian embargo on Black Sea ports.

Zelenska was there for the launch of the Hetman Ivan Mazepa anti-submarine corvette, named after a 17th-century Ukrainian cossack leader.

Ukraine is looking to rebuild its navy with Turkish help following huge losses to its fleet in the war against Russia.