Zelensky, Erdogan to discuss Black Sea security in Istanbul
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul on October 31 to discuss Black Sea security, the war and bilateral ties.
Black Sea security tops the agenda
The talks will focus on the security situation in the Black Sea and other developments related to Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, Turkish officials said.
Earlier in October, Erdoğan spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin about worsening maritime security after Russian drones struck several commercial vessels.
The two leaders are also expected to discuss further steps to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Türkiye and Ukraine, according to Burhanettin Duran, head of the Turkish Presidency's Directorate of Communications.
Türkiye maintains diplomatic ties with both sides
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Türkiye has maintained economic ties with Moscow while supporting Kyiv's defence efforts and seeking to mediate between the two sides.
In 2022, Türkiye helped broker the Black Sea Grain Initiative with the United Nations, allowing Ukraine to export grain and fertilisers by sea under a UN-backed arrangement.
Türkiye also hosted three rounds of peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian representatives in 2025.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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