Kyiv, April 17 (NationPress) Ukrainian officials are participating in an international conference in Turkey centered around Black Sea security, as stated by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi.

During a press briefing in Kyiv on Wednesday, Tykhyi mentioned that the Ukrainian delegation would engage with partners on the maritime aspects of security assurances for Ukraine, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Specifically, experts from the so-called “Coalition of the Willing,” nations that support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, will present proposals on what a potential maritime presence in the Black Sea could entail, he noted.

Tykhyi emphasized that for Ukraine, it is crucial for discussions on long-term security guarantees to encompass not only land defense but also the safeguarding of air and sea.

On April 15-16, Turkey hosted a meeting to deliberate on Black Sea security following a potential ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, as reported by local media.

According to an official statement from the Turkish Ministry of National Defence, military representatives from various countries, including Ukraine, France, the UK, and Turkey, participated in the discussions, which focused on the naval strategies for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere in the Black Sea post-truce.

Turkish officials clarified that no representatives from Russia were present, and that this was not a direct negotiation between Russia and Ukraine.

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

He added that military representatives were evaluating the potential presence of a military force 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 actions,” Zelensky stated.

“This is not about ending the war. This is about what follows after the ceasefire -- security guarantees.”

The discussions were first announced by the Turkish Defence Ministry on April 13, but officials did not disclose the participating countries.

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

On April 15, the UK's Defense Ministry confirmed that it would join the meetings, before Zelensky revealed that Ukraine and France would also attend.

As with previous discussions regarding a land-based contingent, the US is not participating in these talks.