Turkey Hosts Black Sea Security Talks

High-Level Military Talks on Black Sea Security

Turkey is hosting important discussions about the security of the Black Sea on April 15–16, 2023. Here's a quick overview of the meeting:

• Location: Turkish Naval Forces Headquarters, Ankara
• Participants: Military representatives from Ukraine, France, the UK, and Turkey
• Main Focus: Planning for post-ceasefire security agreements in the Black Sea

Details of the Meeting

The Turkish Ministry of National Defence has stated that this meeting is designed to help establish a peaceful environment in the Black Sea following a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Notably, there will be no participation from Russian officials, and the discussions will not involve direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

Statements from Leaders

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a visit to Odesa with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, emphasized the importance of these talks. He characterized the discussions as part of a growing coalition aimed at enhancing maritime security in the region.

Zelenskyy explained that the military representatives are evaluating the need for a military presence in the Black Sea as a security measure, saying:

This is a military meeting on Black Sea security, primarily involving a coalition of the willing and discussions on appropriate steps. This is not about ending the war. This is about what happens after the ceasefire—security guarantees.