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Key Points

Ukraine is actively engaging in crucial international discussions about Black Sea security with key NATO allies. The meeting in Turkey involves military representatives from multiple countries exploring potential maritime security arrangements. President Zelensky highlighted that these talks focus on post-ceasefire security guarantees rather than immediate war resolution. The discussions represent a significant diplomatic effort to create a stable maritime environment in the region.

Key Points: Zelensky Joins Turkey Talks on Black Sea Security Coalition

  • Ukraine discusses maritime security with international coalition partners
  • Turkey hosts strategic Black Sea security meeting
  • NATO allies explore post-ceasefire military contingent options
  • Zelensky emphasizes long-term regional security guarantees
3 min read

Ukraine participates in int'l meeting on Black Sea security in Turkey

Ukraine leads international discussions on maritime security guarantees with NATO allies in strategic Black Sea meeting

"This is not about ending the war. This is about what happens after the ceasefire - Volodymyr Zelensky"

Kyiv, April 17

Ukrainian representatives are taking part in an international meeting in Turkey focusing on Black Sea security, Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi said.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kyiv on Wednesday, Tykhyi said the Ukrainian team would discuss with its partners the maritime component of security guarantees for Ukraine, Xinhua news agency reported.

In particular, experts from the countries of the so-called "Coalition of the Willing," which support Ukraine in the war with Russia, will present their proposals on how the potential presence of maritime contingent in the Black Sea could look like, he noted.

Tykhyi stressed that for Ukraine, it is important that long-term security guarantees discussions include not only land-based defence, but also the protection of the sky and sea.

On April 15-16, Turkey hosted a meeting to discuss Black Sea security after a possible ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, according to local media.

According to an official statement by the Turkish Ministry of National Defence, the meeting included military representatives from several countries, including Ukraine, France, the UK and Turkey. The discussions focused on the naval dimensions of military planning to maintain a peaceful environment in the Black Sea following a possible truce.

Turkish officials have clarified that no Russian representatives participated, and that this was not a direct negotiation between Russia and Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking in Odesa, Ukraine, alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on April 15, described the talks as part of a growing coalition focused on ensuring maritime security in the region.

He added that the military representatives were discussing the presence of a military contingent in the Black Sea as part of security guarantees.

"This is a military meeting on Black Sea security, primarily involving a coalition of the willing and discussions on appropriate steps," Zelensky said.

"This is not about ending the war. This is about what happens after the ceasefire -- security guarantees."

The talks were first announced by the Turkish Defence Ministry on April 13, but officials would not reveal which countries were taking part.

Later, it was reported that NATO members Bulgaria and Romania would be involved, along with Georgia.

On April 15, Britain's Defense Ministry told a media portal that it would join the meetings, before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that Ukraine and France were also attending..

As with previous discussions on a land-based contingent, the US is not involved in the talks.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

M
Maria K.
This is such an important discussion! The Black Sea security can't be overlooked when planning for Ukraine's future. Glad to see international cooperation on this 🙌
D
David P.
Interesting that the US isn't involved in these talks. I wonder if that's strategic or if there are other reasons behind that decision.
O
Olena S.
As someone from Odesa, maritime security is personal for me. We've seen too many threats from the sea. Thank you to Turkey for hosting these crucial discussions 🇺🇦
T
Thomas R.
While I support Ukraine's security needs, I'm concerned these discussions might be premature before an actual ceasefire. Shouldn't we focus on ending the war first?
A
Anastasia L.
The "Coalition of the Willing" is such a powerful concept! It shows which countries truly stand with Ukraine when it matters most. France and UK stepping up is great to see.
J
James T.
Turkey playing mediator again - they've really positioned themselves as crucial players in regional security. Smart diplomacy from Ankara.

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