IRIA News

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Turkiye has invited high-ranking military representatives from Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and France for a summit regarding a post-ceasefire stability and security of the Black Sea region. Notably, Russian representatives were not present in the talks.

The two-day summit, held at the Turkish Naval Forces Headquarters in Ankara on April 15–16, was aimed at coordinating military planning and naval strategies for the period following a potential truce in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The meeting has been described by the Turkish Ministry of National Defense as a “planning forum” that brings together military representatives from four countries. Turkish officials addressed Russia’s absence from the table, stating that the gathering is not a negotiation platform between Russia and Ukraine but a proactive measure to ensure regional security after a potential ceasefire between the two warring nations.

“This is a military meeting on Black Sea security, primarily involving a coalition of the willing and discussions on appropriate steps,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a press briefing in Odesa on April 15. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Zelenskyy added that the focus of the talks is not on halting the war, but rather on preparing for the geopolitical realities that may follow.

“This is not about ending the war. This is about what happens after the ceasefire, security guarantees,” Zelenskyy reiterated, underscoring the necessity of a robust and coordinated naval presence to secure the Black Sea against future instability.

Coalition of the Willing

The forum also signals a renewed Western focus on the Black Sea, a critical corridor for trade, military movement, and regional influence. In the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the strategic importance of the Black Sea has increased exponentially, both for defense and economic reasons. The region remains volatile, with Russian naval forces maintaining an active presence and frequent missile strikes targeting Ukraine’s southern ports.

Turkiye, which has long maintained a delicate balancing act between NATO commitments and its relationship with Moscow, appears determined to play a leading role in defining a new security order for the region. As the only NATO country bordering the Black Sea apart from Romania and Bulgaria, and as a host to key naval assets, Turkiye is well-positioned to facilitate military cooperation and enforce security measures.

Zelenskyy emphasized Turkiye’s potential leadership role in the future of the region. “We are talking about the presence of a contingent at sea, and we believe that Turkey can have a serious place in future security guarantees for the sea,” he stated.

NATO Chief praises Turkiye’s mediating role

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also praised Turkiye’s efforts, noting Ankara’s unique position in facilitating past negotiations and its proven track record in de-escalation.

“Turkey has 2022 already successfully mediated a ceasefire when it came to a greater grain deal. Let’s be positive on the fact that Turkey, again, tries to bring together all relevant parties. And let’s hope they are successful,” Rutte said.

Turkiye’s diplomatic maneuvers during the war have played a pivotal role. Ankara brokered the landmark Black Sea Grain Initiative in 2022, which allowed for the safe export of Ukrainian agricultural products despite the ongoing conflict. It also facilitated several high-profile prisoner exchanges and maintained communication channels with both Kyiv and Moscow.

Contrasting visions for peace

The timing of the Ankara talks coincides with diverging views emerging from Western capitals about the path to peace in Ukraine. While NATO and its allies emphasize deterrence and post-conflict security guarantees, some voices, particularly from U.S. political circles, are pushing for more immediate negotiations with Moscow.

Rutte recently criticized recent statements by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who claimed to see a peace deal “emerging” after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Rutte took a more cautious tone, saying that President Donald Trump’s push for a ceasefire was “not easy,” and condemning Moscow’s “terrible pattern” of attacks on Ukrainian civilians.