Zelensky and Erdoğan Discuss Black Sea Security, Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met in Istanbul on October 31 to discuss Black Sea security and diplomatic efforts, as Ukraine said it was preparing for proposed talks with Russia and the United States in November. At a joint news conference, Zelensky said Ukraine was preparing for a trilateral format involving the United States and Russia in the first half of November. He and Erdoğan discussed possible ways to include Türkiye and European partners, as well as the possibility of holding meetings in Türkiye. No date, venue or participant arrangement for the proposed talks was confirmed. The meeting was bilateral, and the leaders did not announce that a new round of negotiations had been agreed. Zelensky had previously expressed hope for talks in Abu Dhabi from November 6 to 10, but that date had not been confirmed. The later statements described preparations for the first half of November without settling the location. The leaders also discussed the Black Sea grain corridor and maritime safety. Zelensky said he and Erdoğan had agreed to work to keep the corridor operating. Erdoğan said Türkiye would continue discussions with...