Zelenskiy of Ukraine to meet Erdogan in Turkey

The discussion will focus on the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, the status of the Black Sea grain deal, and the bilateral relations between the two nations, as revealed in a statement on the social media platform X by the Turkish Presidency.

In July, Russia exited the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a pact facilitated by Turkey and the United Nations allowing the safe exportation of Ukrainian grain through its Black Sea ports. Russia justified its withdrawal by claiming that its demands for improved conditions for its own agricultural and fertilizer exports were disregarded.

Turkey has been actively trying to encourage Russia to rejoin the initiative. However, Russia has expressed disinterest in its revival. As a NATO member with a crucial geographical position, sharing maritime borders with both Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea, Turkey strives to balance its relationships with both countries amidst the conflict. Despite offering military aid to Kyiv and supporting its sovereignty, Turkey has refrained from joining the sanctions imposed on Russia.