Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged both Russia and Ukraine to halt attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea. During a joint news conference in Istanbul on Saturday, Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also agreed to work together on establishing a new grain corridor through the waterway.
Black Sea Security and Grain Corridor
Erdogan stated that actions escalating tensions and targeting commercial vessels serve no one’s interests. He added that such attacks are completely unacceptable regardless of who commits them or the reasons given, and called for all parties to behave responsibly.
Turkiye, which keeps relations with both Moscow and Kyiv, has expressed frustration over strikes on commercial shipping. Ankara previously submitted a proposal to both nations to stop the attacks, though neither side has taken action on it so far.
Zelenskyy blamed Russia for complicating the situation in the Black Sea and noted that security in the region formed a major part of his discussions with Erdogan. He announced that he reached an agreement with the Turkish president to work on the Black Sea grain corridor, thanking him for the dialogue and support for safe navigation.
Erdogan confirmed that discussions to restore safe navigation will persist. He expressed belief that an agreement on this matter would provide new momentum toward achieving lasting peace in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that international interest is growing regarding a limited ceasefire in the Black Sea to protect grain and energy shipments. Speaking at a news conference in Atlanta, Georgia, following a G20 foreign ministers meeting, Rubio stated that the US is reviewing proposals from Turkiye and India to resume grain shipments, noting that current disruptions threaten global food and energy security.
Diplomatic Efforts and Peace Talks
Erdogan welcomed renewed momentum to end the war through diplomacy, highlighting the initiative led by US President Donald Trump. He stated that a just peace leaves no losers and affirmed Turkiye’s readiness to contribute every possible effort toward that goal.
Turkiye previously hosted multiple rounds of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire. Erdogan noted that these past meetings demonstrate how tangible results can be reached through diplomatic channels.
The Turkish president’s office reported that during a phone call with Trump, Erdogan expressed Turkiye’s readiness to support reviving the diplomatic process to end the conflict. The Kremlin announced last week that upcoming talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US are scheduled to resume in November within the United Arab Emirates.
Zelenskyy stated he discussed this format with Erdogan alongside other potential options, which include involving Turkiye, Europe, and other partners, as well as holding a future meeting in Turkiye. He emphasized that strong decisions and signals at all levels are necessary to show Russia that peace has no alternative and international support for Ukraine will persist.
