Zelensky and Erdogan agree to work on reviving the Black Sea Grain Corridor in Istanbul
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on October 31, 2026. The leaders agreed to work on restoring and improving the Black Sea Grain Corridor and discussed safe shipping, possible trilateral Ukraine–US–Russia talks, and broader diplomatic perspectives.
أبرز النقاط
- Erdogan received Zelenskyy at Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul on October 31, 2026
- The presidents held talks in a one-on-one format after exchanging greetings
- The two sides agreed to work on restoring and making the Black Sea Grain Corridor more efficient
- They discussed the safety of shipping in the Black Sea and possible involvement of Turkey, Europe and other partners in negotiations
- Zelenskyy proposed holding the trilateral talks in Turkey and said Ukraine was preparing a Ukraine–US–Russia format in the first half of November
- Erdogan condemned attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea and called on Russia and Ukraine to act responsibly
- The delegation talks included Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and Ukrainian intelligence chief Rustem Umerov
لماذا يهمّ ذلك
The agreement could revive and improve grain exports through the Black Sea, affecting regional food security. The discussions also linked maritime security directly to broader negotiations aimed at ending the war. Turkey's involvement could help shape the format and international participation in prospective Ukraine–US–Russia talks. The meeting took place amid attacks on civilian vessels and a decline in shipping activity toward Ukraine.
ماذا حدث
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Istanbul with his team on October 31 for an official visit at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan received him at Dolmabahce Palace, where after exchanging greetings the two presidents moved to a one-on-one meeting, followed by delegation talks. The parties discussed strengthening the protection of Ukrainians, deepening bilateral partnership, Black Sea shipping security and broader diplomatic prospects. They agreed to work on restoring and making the Black Sea Grain Corridor more effective, and also exchanged ideas and proposals intended to strengthen food security. Zelenskyy said Ukraine was preparing a trilateral Ukraine–US–Russia negotiating format for the first half of November and proposed holding the meeting in Turkey with the involvement of Europe and other partners. A meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was also planned in Istanbul.
كيف تصفه المصادر الأوكرانية
Ukrainian coverage emphasizes Ukraine's security, bilateral partnership with Turkey, defense cooperation, continued international support and the prospect of trilateral talks being held in Turkey with broader participation. Ukrainian reports highlight the humanitarian evacuation operation in Oleshky as an example of de-escalation and thank Erdogan for Turkey's support. The Black Sea Grain Corridor and safe shipping are presented as the central practical outcomes of the meeting.
كيف تصفه المصادر الدولية
International coverage emphasizes Erdogan's condemnation of attacks on civilian vessels, his calls for responsible behavior by Russia and Ukraine, and Turkey's continued negotiations to restore safe shipping. Black Sea security is framed as a possible driver of wider diplomatic efforts to end the war. International reporting also gives greater attention to Erdogan's position that a just peace should have no defeated side and to Turkey's commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.
الخلفية
Zelenskyy's Istanbul visit was accompanied by a planned meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Six commercial vessels were reportedly attacked in the Black Sea over ten days in early October, contributing to reduced vessel calls to Ukraine and higher shipping insurance costs. Erdogan had spoken with Donald Trump about Turkey's readiness to assist in restoring a diplomatic process between Ukraine and Russia, and had also discussed the Black Sea with Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy and Erdogan previously met in New York in September, where they discussed Black Sea security, food exports and a potential Drone Deal.