"Erdogan Affirms Ukraine's Deserving NATO Membership"

Turkish President Erdogan expressed support for Ukraine's bid to join NATO during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Istanbul. Erdogan stated that Ukraine "deserves" to be a NATO member, but the likelihood of an invitation at the upcoming NATO summit is uncertain due to concerns about confrontation with Russia. The leaders also discussed a potential prisoner swap with Russia, the security of Black Sea routes, and the extension of the Black Sea grain deal. Erdogan pledged to continue efforts to extend the grain deal and to discuss these issues with Russian President Putin during his visit to Turkey in August.