Weeks before Erdogan arrived in Ukraine to meet with President Volodmyr Zelensky, he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, Russia. There, the two leaders “reaffirmed their common will to further Turkey-Russia relations based on mutual respect, recognition of reciprocal interests, and in accordance with their international undertakings,” according to a joint statement published on the Kremlin’s website.

But Erdogan told reporters Thursday that while Turkey is “continuing our efforts to find a solution, we remain on the side of our Ukraine friends,” Agence France-Presse reported.

The visit took place as fears continue to mount that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War could trigger a nuclear disaster at the Zaporizhzhya plant, which is still operated by Ukrainian personnel even though it is located in southeastern Ukrainian territory that has been occupied by Russian forces since the early days of the war. Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly accused each other of shelling near the plant in recent days.

“We are worried. We do not want another Chernobyl,” Erdogan said.