Kremlin says Putin will meet Erdoğan on Monday in Sochi

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan are scheduled to hold a summit in Sochi, Russia, as confirmed by the Kremlin. This meeting is noteworthy as it represents a rare visit to Russia by the leader of a NATO member country since the commencement of Moscow's comprehensive conflict in Ukraine.

The summit, set to take place on Monday, will address a range of topics, including both bilateral and regional issues, as reported by Turkish state media. Among the key discussions, Turkey is expected to advocate for the reinstatement of the U.N.-backed Black Sea grain deal, which Russia unilaterally withdrew from in July. Additionally, Turkey is likely to seek access to affordable supplies of natural gas.

This diplomatic engagement carries significance in the context of the ongoing geopolitical dynamics surrounding Ukraine and the Black Sea region, where both countries have vested interests. The outcome of these discussions could have implications for regional stability and economic relations.