Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to visit Istanbul on October 31 for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Black Sea security and the latest developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine, Turkish government spokesperson Burhanettin Duran announced on October 30.

The visit, at Erdoğan’s invitation, will also focus on steps to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Türkiye and Ukraine, Duran said.

Security in the Black Sea is expected to be a key issue during the talks, following a series of incidents involving commercial vessels in the region. Earlier this month, Erdoğan spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the deteriorating security situation, amid reports that Russian drones had struck several merchant ships.

The meeting comes as Türkiye continues to balance its relations with Moscow and Kyiv while seeking to promote a diplomatic resolution to the war.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Türkiye has maintained economic ties with Russia while providing support to Ukraine’s defense efforts and pursuing diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the conflict.

Ankara played a key role in securing the Black Sea Grain Initiative in 2022, which enabled the safe export of Ukrainian grain and other food commodities through the Black Sea. Türkiye also hosted three rounds of peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian representatives in 2025.

Zelensky’s visit is expected to provide an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss regional security challenges and explore ways to deepen cooperation as the war continues. (ILKHA)