Zelensky meets with Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Phanar on October 31.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the residence of Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul's Phanar district on October 31, 2026. This was reported by the press service of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. It was Zelensky's fifth visit to the Phanar since taking office.

According to the Patriarchate, the Ukrainian president received a warm welcome and held an hour-long meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew in his office.

The head of the Ecumenical Patriarchate reaffirmed his support for the Ukrainian people suffering from the war. He also stated that “the Mother Church prays for peace and justice in Ukraine and for the peaceful resolution of all conflicts,” expressing support for any initiatives aimed at achieving those goals.

Zelensky thanked the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Patriarch Bartholomew personally for their continued support and congratulated him on the 35th anniversary of his enthronement.

The Patriarchate was also represented at the meeting by Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon and Metropolitan Gregory of Ancyra. Zelensky was accompanied by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

Afterward, in the Throne Room, Patriarch Bartholomew blessed the other members of the Ukrainian delegation and escorted Zelensky to the gates of the Patriarchate.

As the UOJ previously reported, Zelensky did not travel to New York to receive an award from the Ecumenical Patriarchate.