Zelenskyy Arrives in Istanbul for Talks with Erdoğan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Istanbul, where he is scheduled to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He announced his arrival on X. The visit centres on diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, bilateral cooperation and the security of shipping in the Black Sea, a route that matters to Ukraine in part because of its grain exports.

What Zelenskyy said

The Ukrainian leader said the sides are working to strengthen the protection of their people, the bilateral partnership with Türkiye and real diplomatic prospects. According to him, there are important questions concerning Black Sea shipping.

While in Türkiye, Zelenskyy will also meet Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Earlier developments

In early October, Erdoğan held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which Black Sea security was among the topics discussed. A few days ago, Erdoğan told US President Donald Trump in a phone call that Türkiye is ready to help revive the diplomatic process between Ukraine and Russia.

The Turkish president had said earlier that Ankara is stepping up diplomatic efforts to resume grain exports via the Black Sea and has received a positive signal from Ukraine on the matter.