Zelensky proposes mutual protection for Turkish-flagged ships in Black Sea

In an interview with Turkish channel CNN Türk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed mutual guarantees for Turkish-flagged vessels, said he was ready to meet Putin in Türkiye and expressed hope for Ankara’s mediation.

RuskiGazeta Editorial DeskNovember 01, 2026, 09:49 PMUpdated: November 01, 2026, 10:13 PM

Zelensky proposes mutual protection for Turkish-flagged ships in Black Sea

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a mutual security arrangement for commercial shipping in the Black Sea in an interview with Turkish television channel CNN Türk. “Vessels flying the Turkish or any other flag should be able to enter Ukrainian ports, and Russia should not attack them. When vessels flying the Turkish flag enter Russian ports, Ukraine will likewise not attack them. This is how we can ensure security in the Black Sea,” he said.

Meeting Putin in Türkiye

Zelensky also said that Ukraine was ready for a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Türkiye.

Betting on Ankara’s mediation

“We must move the hot phase of this war at least into a diplomatic phase. In this regard, I hope for Türkiye’s mediation,” the Ukrainian president said. He said that both his relationship with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Turkish leader’s ties with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin could prove useful.

The interview was broadcast after Zelensky’s visit to Istanbul on October 31, when he held talks with Erdoğan at Dolmabahçe Palace. Ankara had previously proposed a partial truce to ensure the safety of grain shipments in the Black Sea, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was examining the proposal.

Video: CNN Türk