Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul on Oct. 31, with Russia’s war against Ukraine, Black Sea security and possible renewed diplomatic contacts expected to dominate the meeting.
Zelenskyy is traveling to Turkey on a working visit at Erdoğan’s invitation.
Turkey’s presidential communications office said the leaders would discuss bilateral cooperation, regional and international developments and the security situation in the Black Sea.
Kyiv Seeks Diplomatic Progress
Zelenskyy described the talks as important and linked them to efforts to use available diplomatic opportunities. He said Kyiv hoped to make progress in November toward negotiating formats discussed previously.
The Ukrainian president also said he hoped representatives of Ukraine, Russia and the United States could meet in Abu Dhabi between Nov. 6 and Nov. 10. Kyiv is seeking European participation in discussions over terms for ending the war.
The date and participants for any such trilateral meeting have not been officially confirmed. Turkey also has not announced that Russian or U.S. representatives would take part in the Oct. 31 Istanbul talks.
Turkey’s Mediation Role
Ankara has repeatedly offered to mediate and previously hosted talks between Ukrainian and Russian representatives. Turkey maintains working contacts with both sides and considers Black Sea security a central regional concern.
The outcome of the Zelenskyy-Erdoğan meeting may clarify whether Istanbul could again serve as a venue for broader negotiations.
Source: Vesti Baku. The visit and agenda were confirmed by the Turkish Presidency’s Directorate of Communications.