Ukraine and Turkey agree to work on restoring the Black Sea grain corridor

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan agreed to work jointly on the Black Sea grain corridor during their meeting in Istanbul on October 31. The main goal is to ensure the stable and efficient operation of the route for Ukrainian grain exports while improving the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea.

According to Zelenskyy, a significant part of the talks focused on the situation in the Black Sea region and potential mechanisms to ensure safe maritime transportation. The two leaders discussed proposals aimed at restoring normal shipping conditions and strengthening global food security. The Ukrainian president emphasized the need not only to maintain the grain corridor but also to improve its operational efficiency.

The Turkish president also confirmed that maritime safety was among the key issues discussed. Erdoğan stressed that attacks on commercial vessels and actions that could escalate tensions in the Black Sea were unacceptable. He also announced plans to hold further talks with Russia regarding the situation in the region.

Zelenskyy and Erdoğan separately discussed the prospects for trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia, which could take place in the first half of November 2026. The Ukrainian side raised the possibility of involving Turkey and European partners in the negotiation process, as well as holding separate meetings on Turkish territory. Ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea remains one of the potential topics.

The agreements between Ukraine and Turkey could provide a basis for further negotiations on the stable operation of the grain corridor and reducing risks to maritime transportation. However, specific mechanisms for ensuring vessel safety, conditions for operating the route, and potential international arrangements have not yet been announced. Their approval will be important for maintaining uninterrupted Ukrainian grain exports through Black Sea ports.

Tags: Ukraine, Turkey, Black Sea grain corridor