Erdogan urges Black Sea truce

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Istanbul on Saturday to address maritime security in the Black Sea. During a joint news conference, both leaders agreed to work on establishing a new grain corridor through the waterway. The meeting focused on reducing hostilities that have disrupted commercial shipping and energy flows.

Erdogan called on both Russia and Ukraine to stop targeting civilian ships. He stated that attacks on these vessels are unacceptable regardless of which side conducts them or what justification is offered. The Turkish leader said, "We call on all parties to act responsibly on this matter." Ankara has sent a proposal to end the attacks, but Erdogan noted that neither Moscow nor Kyiv has acted on it yet.

Zelenskyy said a major part of the discussion concerned security in the Black Sea. He accused Russia of making the situation more difficult. The Ukrainian president confirmed that he reached an agreement with Erdogan to work on the Black Sea grain corridor. He added that Turkey supports efforts to ensure safe navigation and restore normal living conditions for their citizens.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there is growing international interest in a limited ceasefire for the Black Sea. Speaking at a news conference in Atlanta, Georgia, Rubio noted that the US is reviewing proposals from Turkey and India to move grain shipments. He described the situation as a threat to global food and energy security, stating that a limited truce would solve a unique aspect of the war even if it does not end the conflict.

The leaders also discussed broader diplomatic efforts to end the war. Erdogan welcomed renewed momentum behind peace initiatives, pointing specifically to US President Donald Trump's efforts. He said Turkey is ready to make every possible effort to pave the way for peace. Erdogan noted that Turkey has hosted several rounds of talks between Russia and Ukraine, which he said showed that tangible results can be achieved through diplomacy.

Zelenskyy said he discussed the next round of talks with Erdogan. The Kremlin announced last week that the next meeting between Russia, Ukraine, and the US is planned for November in the United Arab Emirates. Zelenskyy mentioned other options, including involving Turkey and Europe in the process or holding a meeting in Turkey. He emphasized that strong decisions are needed to achieve peace and that signals must be sent to Russia that support for Ukraine will continue.

Erdogan said he had a phone call with Trump on Wednesday. According to the Turkish president's office, Erdogan said Turkey was ready to support efforts to revive the diplomatic process. The two presidents agreed that reaching an agreement on maritime security would provide fresh impetus for securing lasting peace in Ukraine.