Turkiye’s Erdogan urges Russia and Ukraine to stop Black Sea attacks
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on Russia and Ukraine to stop targeting civilian ships in the Black Sea, as he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to work on establishing a new grain corridor through the waterway.
The talks took place on Saturday in Istanbul, where Erdogan emphasized that attacks against civilian vessels and actions escalating tensions in the Black Sea serve no one's interests. "We cannot accept these attacks under any circumstances, regardless of who carries them out or what justification is offered," he stated, calling on all parties to act responsibly.
Grain corridor agreement
Zelenskyy accused Russia of making the Black Sea situation difficult, noting that security was a significant focus of his conversation with Erdogan. "Today, I reached an agreement with President Erdogan to work on the Black Sea grain corridor," he announced, adding that Turkiye supports efforts to ensure safe navigation and restore normal living conditions.
I believe that reaching an agreement on this issue would also give fresh impetus to efforts to secure lasting peace in Ukraine.
International mediation efforts
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed there is growing international interest in a limited ceasefire in the Black Sea to secure grain and energy shipments. "This is threatening the world for food security and some energy security as well," Rubio stated, noting the US is reviewing proposals by Turkiye and India to resume grain shipments.
Erdogan welcomed renewed diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, particularly US President Trump's initiative. "At this point, we maintain that there can be no losers in a just peace," he said, emphasizing Turkiye's readiness to support peace efforts. The leaders also discussed the possibility of talks in Turkiye, with Zelenskyy stressing that strong decisions are needed for peace and that support for Ukraine will continue.
Diplomatic path forward
Turkiye has maintained ties with both Moscow and Kyiv and has been angered by strikes on commercial shipping. Ankara has sent proposals to Russia and Ukraine to end attacks, though neither side has yet acted on them. Last week, the Kremlin confirmed that the next round of talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US is planned for November in the United Arab Emirates.
Erdogan highlighted that Turkiye has previously hosted several rounds of talks between Russia and Ukraine, showing that "tangible results can be achieved through diplomacy." Following a phone call with Trump, Erdogan's office stated Turkiye is ready to support efforts to revive the diplomatic process and end the war, with Zelenskyy confirming he discussed various formats, including a meeting in Turkiye, with the Turkish leader.
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