---
title: "Zelensky meets Erdogan in Istanbul to discuss Ukraine war, Black Sea security"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/zelensky-meets-erdogan-in-istanbul-to-discuss-ukraine-war-black-sea-security"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/zelensky-meets-erdogan-in-istanbul-to-discuss-ukraine-war-black-sea-security"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/zelensky-meets-erdogan-in-istanbul-to-discuss-ukraine-war-black-sea-security.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/zelensky-meets-erdogan-in-istanbul-to-discuss-ukraine-war-black-sea-security"
category: "Politics"
area: "Middle East"
published: "2026-10-31T16:45:30.773Z"
source_reported: "2026-10-31T16:01:06.000Z"
updated: "2026-10-31T16:45:30.773Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 60
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-10-31T16:45:13.512003+00:00"
---

# Zelensky meets Erdogan in Istanbul to discuss Ukraine war, Black Sea security

*The two leaders convened at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Office for talks on bilateral relations and regional security.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. One outlet provided a full report; 27 digests corroborated the central claim of a meeting.
- Craft 60 of 100, higher is better. Most outlets provided digests, limiting the depth of reporting and detail.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines focused on the meeting and its implications, with some mild sensationalism.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul.
- The meeting took place at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Office.
- Discussions covered bilateral relations, the war in Ukraine, and Black Sea security.
- A joint press conference was expected after the meeting.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul. The meeting occurred at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Office. Discussions between the two leaders were expected to encompass bilateral relations, the war in Ukraine, and security matters in the Black Sea. Following their talks, a joint press conference was anticipated.

## Details of the meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Istanbul for a working visit and met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Office. According to Sözcü, Zelensky was officially welcomed by Erdoğan. Those present at the official reception included Turkey's Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler, National Intelligence Organisation President İbrahim Kalın, and Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun. The agenda for the discussions, as reported by Sözcü, included steps to develop bilateral cooperation between Turkey and Ukraine, as well as regional and international developments, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war and the security situation in the Black Sea. Several outlets noted the importance of Black Sea security in their reporting.

## What the coverage left out

No centre-rated outlet reported on this meeting. None of the right-rated digests mention the specific attendees at the official reception, such as the Minister of National Defence or the Head of National Intelligence, details that were included in the full report from Sözcü.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 17 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 29% (5)
- Centre: 0% (0)
- Right: 71% (12)

42 of 59 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-31T16:45:13.512003+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 2 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-31T17:15:13.061Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The left-rated reports focused on the meeting between Erdoğan and Zelenskyy at the Dolmabahçe Working Office. Sözcü, which provided a full report, detailed the official reception and listed attendees including the Minister of National Defence and the Head of National Intelligence. It stated that discussions would cover bilateral cooperation, the war in Ukraine, and Black Sea security. Cumhuriyet also highlighted the critical summit in Dolmabahçe where Erdoğan and Zelenskyy met, noting that a joint press conference was expected. Charter97.org briefly stated that the Ukrainian President would negotiate with Erdoğan.

### Centre

No separate framing summary.

### Right

- Right-rated reports highlighted the discussion of Black Sea security and potential peace talks. La Razón stated that the meeting was to discuss attacks on ships in the Black Sea, noting Turkey's role as a mediator. Die Presse reported that Erdoğan and Selenskyj were preparing peace talks in Istanbul, with discussions including bilateral relations and shipping in the Black Sea. News-pravda.com, citing Sergey Mardan, reported that Zelensky came to Erdogan for talks on a ceasefire in the Black Sea with Turkey's mediation. EADaily reported that Zelensky would have a difficult conversation with Erdogan on the Black Sea. Iefimerida.gr noted that the war with Russia and the security situation in the Black Sea would be discussed.

**Provisional coverage gap:** left. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- veryLow: 1
- low: 1
- mixed: 8
- high: 7
- unknown: 42

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [turkiyegazetesi.com.tr](https://turkiyegazetesi.com.tr/gundem/dolmahcede-kritik-zirve-cumhurbaskani-erdogan-karadenizde-guvenlik-konusunu-konustuk-1826342) — A Critical Summit in Dolmabahçe! President Erdoğan: We Discussed Security Issues in the Black Sea.
- [A Haber](https://ahaber.com.tr/gundem/2026/10/31/baskan-erdogan-adil-bir-barisin-kaybedeni-olmaz) — President Erdoğan: There Are No Losers in a Just Peace.
- [Lapresse](https://lapresse.it/esteri/2026/10/31/ucraina-zelensky-a-istanbul-per-incontrare-erdogan) — Ukraine, Zelensky in Istanbul to Meet Erdogan
- [La Razón](https://larazon.es/internacional/zelenski-reune-erdogan-estambul-tratar-ataques-buques-mar-negro_202610316ae60d22a5f83c2fb8eadbe2.html) — Zelenski Meets with Erdogan in Istanbul to Discuss Attacks on Ships in the Black Sea
- [elipshaber.com](https://elipshaber.com/dolmabahcede-kritik-zirve-erdogan-ukrayna-devlet-baskani-zelenski-ile-gorustu) — A Critical Summit Took Place in Dolmabahçe: Erdoğan Met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
- [Die Presse](https://diepresse.com/41408125/erdogan-und-selenskyj-bereiten-in-istanbul-friedensgespraeche-vor) — Erdogan and Selenskyj Prepare Peace Talks in Istanbul
- [plovdiv24.bg](https://plovdiv24.bg/novini/mejdunarodni/Zelenski-v-Istanbul-Erdogan-go-prie-v-Dolmabahche-3048954) — Zelensky in Istanbul, Erdogan Received Him at Dolmabahce
- [frognews.bg](https://frognews.bg/novini/zelenski-pristigna-istanbul-razgovori-erdogan-sigurnostta-cherno-more.html) — Zelensky Arrives in Istanbul for Talks with Erdogan on Black Sea Security
- [asriran.com](https://asriran.com/fa/news/1202862/%D8%B2%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B3%DA%A9%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%AF%DB%8C%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A8%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%B4%D8%AF) — Zelensky Arrives in Istanbul to Meet with Erdogan
- [banker.bg](https://banker.bg/2026/10/31/zelenski-pristigna-v-istanbul-erdogan) — Zelensky Came to Istanbul for a Meeting with Yerdogan to Eat and Swim in the Black Sea
- [1news.com.ua](https://1news.com.ua/svit/zelenskyj-zustrivsya-z-erdoganom-u-stambuli-dlya-obgovorennya-vazhlyvyh-pytan-spivpratsi.html) — Zelensky Met with Erdogan in Istanbul to Discuss Important Cooperation Issues
- [pmo.ee](https://pmo.ee/8574878) — Zelensky Arrives in Istanbul
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/5432a2ab43292195) — Erdogan welcomes Zelensky in Istanbul
- [standartnews.com](https://standartnews.com/svyat/zelenski-v-istanbul-erdogan-go-prie-v-dolmabahche-651787.html) — Zelensky in Istanbul. Erdogan Received Him in Dolmabahce - World — News Standard
- [vz.lt](https://vz.lt/verslo-aplinka/2026/10/31/v-zelenskis-atvyko-i-stambula-deryboms-592180) — V. Zelensky Arrived in Istanbul for Negotiations
- [charter97.org](https://charter97.org/ru/news/2026/10/31/703831) — Green Arrived in Istanbul.
- [Pentapostagma](https://pentapostagma.gr/kosmos/7396654_zelenski-erntogan-synantisi-gia-ti-mayri-thalassa) — Zelensky – Erdogan: Meeting on the Black Sea
- [europost.gr](https://europost.gr/polemos-stin-oykrania-prosgeiothike-stin-konstantinoypoli-o-zelenski-ti-anamenetai-na-zitisei-apo-ton-erntogan) — War in Ukraine: Zelenskyy Lands in Istanbul - What Is He Expected to Ask Erdogan For?
- [news-pravda.com](https://news-pravda.com/world/2026/10/31/2708496.html) — Sergey Mardan: Zelensky came to Erdogan for talks on a cease-fire in the Black Sea with the mediation of Turkey
- [ТСН.ua](https://tsn.ua/politika/zelenskyy-zustrivsia-z-erdohanom-u-stambuli-pershi-podrobytsi-3204635.html) — Zelensky Met with Erdogan in Istanbul — First Details
- [Sözcü](https://sozcu.com.tr/erdogan-zelenskiy-ile-bir-araya-geldi-p374645) — Erdoğan Met with Zelenskyy - Sözcü Newspaper
- [Karar Gazetesi](https://karar.com/guncel-haberler/zelenskiy-istanbula-geldi-erdogan-ile-onemli-gorusmelerimiz-olacak-2081668) — Zelenskyy Arrived in Istanbul: We Will Have Important Meetings with Erdoğan.
- [Libre](https://libre.gr/2026/10/31/stin-konstantinoupoli-o-zelenski-gia) — Zelensky in Istanbul for Meeting with Erdogan (Vid)
- [sigmalive.com](https://sigmalive.com/news/international/1335665/blepei-erntoghan-stin-konstantinoupoli-o-zelenski) — Zelensky "Sees" Erdogan in Istanbul
- [snn.ir](https://snn.ir/fa/news/1480644/%D8%B2%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B3%DA%A9%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%DA%AF%D9%81%D8%AA-%D9%88%DA%AF%D9%88-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A8%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%B4%D8%AF) — Zelensky Arrives in Istanbul for Talks with Erdogan
- [Habertürk](https://haberturk.com/dunya/cumhurbaskani-erdogan-ukrayna-devlet-baskani-zelenskiy-ile-gorustu-3923956) — President Erdoğan Met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
- [npress.gr](https://npress.gr/world/stin-konstantinoupoli-o-zelenski-gia-synantisi-me-ton-erntogan) — Zelensky – Erdogan: Meeting in Istanbul on the War in Ukraine
- [Cumhuriyet](https://cumhuriyet.com.tr/siyaset/dolmabahce-de-kritik-zirve-erdogan-ve-zelenski-bir-araya-geldi-2552013) — A Critical Summit Took Place in Dolmabahçe: Erdoğan and Zelenskyy Met.
- [Daily Sabah](https://dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/erdogan-zelenskyy-mull-diplomatic-avenues-amid-black-sea-tensions) — Erdoğan, Zelenskyy mull diplomatic avenues amid Black Sea tensions
- [suedtirolnews.it](https://suedtirolnews.it/politik/selenskyj-zu-gespraechen-mit-erdogan-in-istanbul) — Selenskyj for Talks with Erdogan in Istanbul
- [vienna.at](https://vienna.at/selenskyj-zu-gespraechen-mit-erdogan-in-istanbul/10603124) — Selenskyj Meets Erdogan in Istanbul: Important Talks
- [خبرآنلاین](https://khabaronline.ir/news/2295642/%D8%B2%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B3%DA%A9%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%DA%AF%D9%81%D8%AA-%D9%88%DA%AF%D9%88-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A8%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%B4%D8%AF) — Zelensky Arrives in Istanbul for Talks with Erdogan
- [fakti.bg](https://fakti.bg/world/1095889-strategicheska-vizita-zelenski-pristigna-v-istanbul-za-razgovori-s-erdogan) — Strategic Visit! Zelensky Arrives in Istanbul for Talks with Erdogan
- [Sapo](https://jornaleconomico.sapo.pt/noticias/ucrania-zelensky-com-erdogan-para-analisar-guerra-com-russia-e-seguranca-no-mar-negro) — Ukraine: Zelensky with Erdogan to Analyze War with Russia and Security in the Black Sea 我 Economic Journal
- [Kyiv Post](https://kyivpost.com/post/88757) — Zelensky Arrives in Turkey for Talks With Erdogan on Black Sea Safety
- [Typosthes](https://typosthes.gr/diethni/447124_zelenski-stin-konstantinoypoli-gia-synomilies-me-ton-erntogan) — Zelensky: In Istanbul for Talks with Erdogan
- [Noticias ao Minuto](https://noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/3076269/zelensky-e-erdogan-discutem-guerra-com-russia-e-seguranca-no-mar-negro) — Zelensky and Erdogan Discuss War with Russia and Security in the Black Sea
- [Klix](https://klix.ba/vijesti/svijet/zelenski-stigao-u-istanbul-na-razgovore-s-erdoganom-o-crnom-moru/261031135) — Zelensky Arrives in Istanbul for Talks with Erdogan on the Black Sea
- [Mehr News Agency](https://mehrnews.com/news/6995499/%D8%B2%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B3%DA%A9%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%DA%AF%D9%81%D8%AA-%D9%88%DA%AF%D9%88-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A8%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%B4%D8%AF) — Zelensky Arrives in Istanbul for Talks with Erdogan
- [Agenzia giornalistica Opinione](https://agenziagiornalisticaopinione.it/opinionmix/zelensky-telegram-colloqui-con-erdogan-a-istanbul-per-rafforzare-il-partenariato-con-la-turchia-e-la-navigazione-nel-mar-nero) — ZELENSKY (TELEGRAM) * "Colloqui Con Erdo" in ISTANBUL to Strengthen the Partnership with TURKEY and NAVIGATION IN THE BLACK SEA" - Journalist's Agency Opinion. News From Italy - World / Trentino Alto Adige
- [δημοκρατία](https://dimokratia.gr/kosmos/761769/tet-a-tet-erntogan-me-zelenski-stin-konstantinoypoli) — Erdogan's One-on-One with Zelensky in Istanbul
- [www.dnevnik.bg](https://dnevnik.bg/burzi-novini/2026/10/31/4974307_zelenski_e_v_istanbul_zaradi_sigurnostta_na_cherno_more/?ref=rss) — Zelensky Is in Istanbul for the Security of the Black Sea
- [La Croix](https://la-croix.com/international/ukraine-russie-jour-1711-point-conflit-ukrainien-poutine-aujourdhui-20261031) — War in Ukraine: Humanitarian Mission in Olechky; Zelensky Will Meet Erdogan
- [Haberler](https://haberler.com/guncel/ukrayna-devlet-baskani-zelenski-istanbulda-20383651-haberi) — Zelensky Is in Istanbul! He Is Meeting with President Erdoğan.
- [anews.com.tr](https://anews.com.tr/world/2026/10/31/zelensky-says-arrived-in-istanbul-for-talks) — Zelensky says arrived in Istanbul for talks
- [Javanews.al](https://javanews.al/zelensky-mberrin-ne-stamboll-takim-me-erdoganin) — Zelensky Mbërrin Në Stamboll, Takim Me Erdoganin
- [sabah.com.tr](https://sabah.com.tr/gundem/2026/10/31/ukrayna-devlet-baskani-volodimir-zelenskiy-istanbula-geldi) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Arrived in Istanbul: He Will Meet with President Erdoğan at Dolmabahçe Palace.
- [parapolitika.gr](https://parapolitika.gr/diethni/article/1814330/sunadisi-erdogan-zelenski-stin-konstadinoupoli-eftase-o-oukranos-proedros-ti-tha-suzitisoun-oi-duo-igetes) — Erdogan & Zelensky Meeting in Istanbul: The Ukrainian President Has Arrived - What Will the Two Leaders Discuss
- [Akşam](https://aksam.com.tr/guncel/istanbulda-kritik-gorusme-baskan-erdogan-zelenski-ile-bir-araya-geldi/haber-1710722) — A Critical Meeting Took Place in Istanbul: President Erdoğan Met with Zelenskyy.
- [zougla.gr](https://zougla.gr/kosmos/efthase-stin-konstantinoupoli-o-zelenski) — Zelensky Arrived in Istanbul
- [Documento](https://documentonews.gr/article/zelenski-stin-tourkia-gia-synomilies-me-ton-erntogan-ta-themata-stin-atzenta) — Zelensky: In Turkey for Talks with Erdogan - The Issues on the Agenda
- [Iefimerida](http://iefimerida.gr/kosmos/o-zelenski-stin-konstantinoypoli-gia-synomilies-me-ton-erntogan) — Zelensky in Istanbul for Talks with Erdogan - iefimerida.gr
- [Business Daily](https://businessdaily.gr/diethni/241114_synantisi-zelenski-erntogan-stin-konstantinoypoli-gia-polemo-kai-asfaleia) — Zelensky in Istanbul for Meetings with Erdogan
- [Європейська правда](https://eurointegration.com.ua/news/2026/10/31/7249022) — Zelensky Arrives with a Visit to Turkey
- [LB.ua](https://en.lb.ua/news/2026/10/31/47474_president_zelensky_arrives.html) — President Zelensky Arrives in Istanbul for Talks With Erdogan and Meeting With
- [dnews.gr](https://dnews.gr/eidhseis/kosmos/619812/stin-konstantinoypoli-o-zelenski-gia-synantisi-me-erntogan-sto-epikentro-o-polemos-kai-i-mayri-thalassa) — In Istanbul, Zelensky Meets with Erdogan: War and the Black Sea Are at the Center
- [EADaily](https://eadaily.com/en/news/2026/10/30/zelensky-will-have-a-difficult-conversation-with-erdogan-on-the-black-sea-tomorrow-unian) — Zelensky will have a difficult conversation with Erdogan on the Black Sea tomorrow
- [Republic World](https://republicworld.com/world-news/zelenskyy-to-visit-turkey-on-october-31-for-talks-with-erdogan-on-russia-ukraine-war-black-sea-security-2026-10-30-140080) — Zelenskyy to Visit Turkey on October 31 for Talks With Erdogan on Russia-Ukraine War, Black Sea Security
- [Anadolu Ajansı](https://aa.com.tr/en/russia-ukraine-war/ukraines-zelenskyy-due-in-turkiye-on-saturday-for-talks-with-turkish-president-erdogan-/4106688) — Ukraine's Zelenskyy Due in Türkiye on Saturday for Talks with Turkish President Erdogan

## Questions

**Where did Zelensky and Erdogan meet?**

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Office. This location served as the venue for their discussions on bilateral relations and regional security.

**What were the main topics of discussion?**

The primary topics of discussion between President Zelensky and President Erdoğan included bilateral relations between Ukraine and Turkey, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and security matters concerning the Black Sea region. A joint press conference was expected to follow their meeting.

**Which news outlets covered the meeting?**

A total of 28 outlets reported on the meeting between Zelensky and Erdogan. These included outlets rated as left and right, as well as unrated sources. Notably, no centre-rated outlets covered the story.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/zelensky-meets-erdogan-in-istanbul-to-discuss-ukraine-war-black-sea-security. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Zelensky meets Erdogan in Istanbul to discuss Ukraine war, Black Sea security", https://mediabias.news/politics/zelensky-meets-erdogan-in-istanbul-to-discuss-ukraine-war-black-sea-security