Erdoğan Urges Russia and Ukraine to Halt Black Sea Ship Attacks

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared that attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea are absolutely unacceptable, regardless of which side carries them out. Speaking at a joint press conference in Istanbul, he urged both Russia and Ukraine to act responsibly to prevent further escalation.

Erdoğan stated that these strikes do not benefit either party. He noted that Türkiye is currently holding talks with all involved parties to restore maritime security in the region. The Turkish president believes an agreement on this specific issue could help advance broader diplomatic efforts to end the war and achieve lasting peace.

During the same meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Kyiv and Ankara agreed to work together to restore the grain corridor. He reported that the two leaders focused their discussions on bilateral partnership and the diplomatic prospects for ending the conflict. Zelenskyy also identified maritime security in the Black Sea as a central topic of their conversation.

Erdoğan added that Türkiye plans to discuss the matter directly with Russia. He referenced a telephone conversation he held with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in early October, during which they also discussed Black Sea security. The Turkish president reaffirmed Ankara's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence, labeling Kyiv a strategic partner.

The summit took place in Istanbul. Erdoğan’s comments followed his earlier call with Putin. Both leaders emphasized the need for stability in the Black Sea to facilitate future peace negotiations.