Erdogan reacts to the attack on Ukrainian Bayraktar
29 August 16:50
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a massive nighttime Russian attack that, among other things, damaged the Turkish drone manufacturer Bayraktar.
Zelensky said this in his Telegram, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
“We talked a lot about security guarantees. Now national security advisers are working on the development of each specific component, and next week the entire configuration will be on paper. President Erdogan said that he was involving his defense minister in the process to understand how Turkey can help ensure security, including in the Black Sea,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that he had discussed with the Turkish leader the current situation at the front and the next diplomatic steps.
“Ukraine is ready to talk in the format of leaders, because this is the only effective format. And, unfortunately, it is Russia that evades this and continues the war,” the President of Ukraine emphasized.
According to Zelenskyy, at least 17 people, including four children, were killed in the night attack by Russia, which included more than 30 missiles and about 600 drones. Dozens of victims are in serious condition. Among the targets hit by the Russians were the Turkish Baykar plant, the Embassy of Azerbaijan, the EU Delegation, the British Council, and residential areas of the capital.
The Turkish Presidential Communications Directorate confirmed the conversation between the leaders.
“President Erdogan said that Turkey continues to make efforts to achieve a lasting peace and will do everything possible to ensure the security of Ukraine after peace is established,” the statement said.
Erdogan emphasized that “a just solution to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia is possible” and that negotiations between the parties should be continued and intensified.
Russian attacks on the Bayraktar plant in Ukraine
The construction of the Turkish company Baykar ‘s plant in Ukraine began in 2023, and in the summer of 2025, the first reports appeared that the company was ready to launch. The production facilities were supposed to produce Bayraktar TB2 attack drones and the latest Akıncı drones, which have already proven themselves in the war.
Russia has repeatedly stated that this facility is a “legitimate target.”
In July and August 2025, media and official sources reported several attacks on Kyiv, during which missiles fell near the industrial zone where the plant is located. The August 28 strike was the first confirmed case of damage to Baykar’s production facilities in Ukraine.
The attack caused concern in Turkey, as Ankara sees the project as a symbol of its strategic partnership with Ukraine and an important factor in defense cooperation.
