Zelensky and Erdogan to Meet in Istanbul to Discuss Regional Security

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to visit Istanbul on Saturday for working talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The discussions will focus on expanding bilateral cooperation, regional issues, the ongoing war with Russia, and security in the Black Sea region, according to the Turkish presidency.

Burhanettin Duran, the communications director of the Turkish presidency, announced on X that the leaders will evaluate steps to deepen Turkey-Ukraine ties alongside international developments, with a primary emphasis on the Russian invasion and Black Sea stability. The meeting underscores a notable geopolitical shift as Ankara moves away from its previous balancing act between Moscow and NATO.

This diplomatic engagement follows a period of strained relations between Turkey and Russia, as Ankara increasingly supports Ukraine's diplomatic outreach in the Middle East. In April, President Zelensky made a historic visit to Syria aboard a Turkish presidential aircraft, where he met with Syrian transition leader Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss security and energy cooperation.

Ukraine is currently offering its combat-tested expertise in drone warfare and military manufacturing, skills honed during its defense against Russian forces. Turkey views Ukraine's expanding regional role as a strategic advantage, while the growing military and diplomatic partnership highlights a decline in Russia's global influence and leverage.