Zelenskyy names second corvette Turkey is building for Ukraine

The president also signed a decree naming the Ada-class corvette of the Ukrainian Navy.

"To name the corvette of the Ada class of the Navy of Ukraine's Armed Forces after Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi and to further refer to this corvette as the Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi corvette," says the text of the decree published by the press service of the president.

It is noted that this name was chosen in order to restore the historical traditions of the national army, to perpetuate the memory of the outstanding Ukrainian military, political and statesman Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi.

The first of the two corvettes that Turkey is building for Ukraine already has a name: Hetman Ivan Mazepa. Work on it began in January 2021, with steel being cut and sections being formed. In September 2021, the foundation stone for the Ada-type ship for the Ukrainian Navy was laid in Turkey. At that time, 13 sections and the ship's keel had already been formed. On September 18, 2022, the construction of the corvette's hull was completed, and on October 2, it was launched.  The corvette will become the new flagship of the Ukrainian navy after the Hetman Sahaidachny was sunk due to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Ada-class Hetman Ivan Mazepa will be adapted to all available types of anti-ship missiles. It is planned to be commissioned into the Ukrainian Navy in 2024.

The arrival of Zelenskyy and his delegation in Istanbul was reported by Anadolu Agency in the morning. The president was met by Turkish officials.

Earlier, Anadolu Agency reported on the goals of Zelenskyy's visit. The outlet informed that during the visit, the parties will discuss the war between Ukraine and Russia, the grain corridor agreement, as well as the search for lasting peace in the region.

Presidents Recep Erdogan and Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also exchange views on strengthening relations between Turkey and Ukraine.

Later, Zelenskyy's planned visit was confirmed by the President's Office. 

It stated that Zelenskyy and Erdogan are to discuss the Ukrainian Peace Formula, the organization of a peace summit, the safety of navigation in the Black Sea, global food stability, and the release of Ukrainian prisoners and political prisoners held by Russia.

"Special attention during the visit will be paid to joint projects in the defense industry. Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the shipyards where corvettes are being built for the Ukrainian Navy and meet with representatives of Turkish defense companies," the Presidential Office added.

• On January 6, Zelenskyy called Erdogan and discussed the "grain corridor," the Peace Formula, and defense cooperation.