Ukrainian President Zelensky to visit Istanbul for talks with Erdogan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to travel to Istanbul on Saturday, October 31, 2026, to conduct a working visit at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The trip was officially announced on October 30 by Fahrettin Altun, the head of the Turkish Presidency's Directorate of Communications, although other reports identified the spokesperson as Burhanettin Duran.

The primary agenda for the meeting focuses on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, regional security concerns, and the stability of the Black Sea region. The two leaders intend to evaluate opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation between Turkey and Ukraine and to discuss broader international developments. This meeting occurs amidst Turkey's sustained diplomatic efforts to mediate in the conflict and address geopolitical tensions in the surrounding area.

This visit is part of a series of diplomatic engagements between Ankara and Kyiv regarding the regional impact of the hostilities. While no further details regarding specific agreements have been released, the discussions are expected to prioritize security protocols relevant to maritime navigation and the broader strategic climate.