Zelensky to visit Istanbul on Oct. 31 to discuss Black Sea security situation, Turkey says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit Istanbul on October 31, invited by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The leaders will address the security situation in the Black Sea amid ongoing tensions from Russia's war against Ukraine. Erdogan previously spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding recent attacks on merchant vessels. They will also explore ways to strengthen cooperation between Turkey and Ukraine. Turkey has played a crucial role as a mediator while balancing its relations with both Russia and Ukraine, notably through the Black Sea Grain Initiative established in 2022.