On Saturday, 31 October 2026, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, arrived in Istanbul on a working visit, where he will hold talks with the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The main topics of the meeting will be strengthening Ukraine’s security, developing bilateral partnership, diplomatic efforts to end the war, and safeguarding shipping in the Black Sea. The Head of State announced his arrival in Turkey on his official Telegram channel.
- On 31 October, Zelenskyy arrived in Istanbul on a working visit.
- The President of Ukraine will hold talks with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
- The main topics include the war, Ukraine’s security and cooperation with Turkey.
- The protection of civilian shipping in the Black Sea will be discussed separately.
- A meeting between Zelenskyy and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is also planned.
What will Zelenskyy and Erdoğan discuss in Istanbul?
The Ukrainian president’s visit is taking place at the invitation of the Turkish leader. On the eve of the visit, the head of the Communications Directorate of the Turkish Presidential Administration Burkhettin Duran officially confirmed the planned talks and outlined their main topics.
According to the Turkish side, the presidents will discuss opportunities for expanding cooperation between Kyiv and Ankara, the situation surrounding the Russian-Ukrainian war, and regional security issues.
Sam Zelensky He emphasised that the Ukrainian delegation would work to strengthen the protection of citizens and develop diplomatic prospects. The specific proposals they plan to put forward in the negotiations have not yet been disclosed.
Security in the Black Sea became a separate topic of discussion
One of the key issues to be discussed at the meeting will be the safety of civilians shipping in the Black Sea. Risks to maritime transport persist due to Russian attacks on port infrastructure and merchant vessels.
Turkey had previously called on Ukraine and Russia to cease attacks on civilian vessels. Ankara also proposed that the parties reach appropriate agreements on maritime transport security.
In September, Zelenskyy and Erdogan Discussions had already taken place regarding the resumption of full-scale operations along the Ukrainian maritime export corridor. At the time, the Ukrainian president emphasised that the stability of food supplies depended on an end to Russian attacks on infrastructure.
Turkey could help to resume peace talks
Istanbul has previously served as a venue for contacts between Ukraine and Russia on numerous occasions. In 2025, Turkey hosted several rounds of talks between delegations from both countries.
On the eve of the visit, Zelenskyy announced his intention to step up diplomatic efforts in November. According to Reuters, Ukraine is counting on the continuation of negotiations involving the US and other international partners.
At the same time, no specific decision has yet been reached regarding new peace agreements following this visit.
Zelenskyy will also meet with Patriarch Bartholomew
In addition to talks with the President of Turkey, the visit’s programme includes a meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
In April 2026, Zelenskyy had already met with the Patriarch in Istanbul. At that time, the parties discussed support for Ukraine, aid for Ukrainian families and efforts to achieve peace.
The agenda for the new meeting has not yet been finalised.
As of the time of the report that Zelenskyy had arrived in Istanbul, the official outcome of the talks with Erdoğan had not yet been made public. It is expected that, following the meetings, the parties will announce the agreements reached and the next diplomatic steps.
