As per the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov stated this during a meeting with the new Ambassador of Turkey to Ukraine, Levent Bilgen.

"We are grateful to Turkey for supporting Ukraine from the first day of the large-scale invasion in ensuring the security of the Black Sea. We invite Turkey to join the Maritime Coalition," said the Minister of Defense of Ukraine.

The parties also discussed potential cooperation in defense production.

Ambassador Levent Bilgen emphasized that comprehensive support for Ukraine from Turkey will continue.

The efforts of the Maritime Coalition, initiated by the United Kingdom and Norway, are aimed at stopping Russia's interference in the freedom of navigation, particularly in the operation of the "grain corridor."