- Türkiye to host Black Sea security meeting on April 15–16 in Istanbul.
- Focus on post-ceasefire military coordination, without Russia or Ukraine.
- Ukraine praises Türkiye’s pivotal role in regional peace and stability.
Türkiye is set to host a pivotal meeting in Istanbul on April 15–16. The meeting will gather military representatives from multiple nations to discuss future security strategies in the Black Sea.
Ankara has long balanced diplomatic ties with both Moscow and Kyiv, positioning itself as a key mediator. From defusing threats like naval mines to enabling crucial humanitarian efforts like the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Türkiye has demonstrated its importance to the region’s geopolitical equilibrium.
Post-War Security Planning Begins Without Russia or Ukraine at Istanbul Meet
The Turkish Defense Ministry announced that a multinational meeting focused on Black Sea security will be held in Istanbul on April 15–16. Though neither Russia nor Ukraine will be attending. The gathering signals Türkiye’s effort to prepare for the post-conflict landscape and ensure military coordination among regional partners.
The agenda will include discussions on naval defense and mine threat mitigation. These issues have grown more urgent due to the ongoing war. Türkiye already contributes to a task force clearing stray naval mines, an essential step in securing trade routes and maritime safety in the Black Sea.
Türkiye’s ability to maintain open channels with both Russia and Ukraine has positioned it as a credible broker for peace. President Erdoğan’s efforts have enabled breakthroughs like the Black Sea Grain Initiative. This initiative helped stabilize global food supply chains during wartime disruptions.
Ukraine views Türkiye not only as a peace facilitator but also as a potential partner in the country’s future recovery. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has extended an invitation to Turkish businesses for reconstruction investments. The projected cost is $600 billion in infrastructure damages, highlighting the strength of their bilateral economic ties.
As the international community cautiously eyes a potential ceasefire. Türkiye’s hosting of the Black Sea security forum marks a critical step toward shaping a stable and cooperative post-war order.
“We aim for a just, sustainable, inclusive and lasting peace – and we count on the support of partners like Türkiye.” – Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister
