Turkey is convening a two-day meeting with military representatives from Ukraine, France, and the United Kingdom to discuss post-war security arrangements in the Black Sea region. The talks, held at the Turkish Naval Forces Headquarters in Ankara, aim to develop a framework for maritime security following a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that these discussions are not peace negotiations but focus on establishing security guarantees after the war. The meetings involve the formation of a “coalition of the willing” to ensure safe navigation and regional stability in the Black Sea. Notably, Russia is not participating in these talks.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, during a visit to Odesa, expressed optimism about Turkey’s role in facilitating cooperation, referencing Turkey’s prior successful mediation in 2022 concerning a grain deal and ceasefire.
These discussions occur amid broader efforts by European nations to strengthen regional security frameworks, especially as uncertainties regarding U.S. military commitments in Europe persist. Turkey’s strategic position and its control over access to the Black Sea via the Bosporus Strait underscore its pivotal role in shaping the future security architecture of the region.
The outcome of these talks could significantly influence the post-conflict security landscape of the Black Sea, with implications for maritime navigation, regional cooperation, and the broader geopolitical balance in Eastern Europe.