Zelensky to visit Istanbul on 31 October for Black Sea security talks
Ukraine's president will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss Black Sea security and bilateral cooperation, Turkey says.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will travel to Istanbul on 31 October for a working visit at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish government spokesperson Burhanettin Duran said on Friday. Talks are expected to cover Black Sea security and other issues linked to Russia's war on Ukraine, according to the Kyiv Independent.
Earlier in October, Erdogan held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, prompted by a string of Russian drone strikes on merchant shipping that has unsettled Black Sea trade routes, the Kyiv Independent reported. Duran said the two presidents would also look at ways to deepen cooperation between Turkey and Ukraine.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion began, Ankara has tried to keep a foot in both camps, trading with Moscow even as it backs Kyiv militarily. Turkey brokered the 2022 Black Sea Grain Initiative to let Ukrainian grain and fertiliser ships sail safely, and staged three rounds of Russia-Ukraine peace talks in 2025.
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What we know
- Official · Turkish government spokesperson Zelensky will visit Istanbul on 31 October at Erdogan's invitation, Turkish officials said.
- Official · Turkish government spokesperson Talks are expected to cover Black Sea security, after a string of Russian drone strikes on merchant vessels, and bilateral cooperation between Turkey and Ukraine.
- 1 outlet · The Kyiv Independent Erdogan spoke by phone with Putin earlier in October about the worsening Black Sea situation, the Kyiv Independent reported.
- 1 outlet · The Kyiv Independent Turkey has hosted three rounds of Russia-Ukraine peace talks in 2025 and brokered the 2022 Black Sea Grain Initiative.
How each fact is established: Verified checked by an ECTV editorOfficial stated by an official body2+ outlets reported independently by two or more news organisations1 outlet reported by a single news organisation so farUnconfirmed claimed or reportedHow we label facts
Why it matters for Europe
Black Sea shipping security affects European grain and fertiliser supply chains that rely on safe passage from Ukrainian ports, and Turkey's position as a NATO member that maintains ties with both Moscow and Kyiv makes it a central broker in the region's maritime security.
Sources
Reported by 4 reports from 4 independent outlets in 3 countries.
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- Cumhuriyet: İstanbul Avcılar'da okul önünde kavga: Bekçi veliyi silahla yaraladı
- NOVA News: Самолет кацна аварийно в Истанбул след сблъсък с ято птици
- 24 Chasa: Зеленски пристига в Истанбул, за да обсъди сигурността в Черно море с Ердоган
- The Kyiv Independent: Zelensky to visit Istanbul on Oct. 31 to discuss Black Sea security situation, Turkey says
Source balance
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Questions and answers
- Why is Zelensky visiting Istanbul?
- To discuss Black Sea security and bilateral cooperation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish officials said.
- Why has the Black Sea become a security concern?
- Russian drones have struck a number of merchant vessels there in recent weeks, according to the Kyiv Independent.
- What role has Turkey played in the war?
- It has hosted peace talks and helped set up a 2022 deal for safe grain exports from Ukraine, while keeping economic ties with Russia.
This article was written with AI assistance from 5 verified reports and checked under the ECTV editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.