Erdogan Tells Zelenskiy Black Sea Attacks Are ‘Inexplicable’ Amid Rising Tensions

Erdogan Calls Russia-Ukraine Attacks on Black Sea Commercial Ships ‘Inexplicable’

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that attacks by Russia and Ukraine on commercial vessels in the Black Sea are “inexplicable” and urged both sides to take steps to prevent further incidents.

According to a readout issued by the Turkish presidency on Thursday, Erdogan reiterated Ankara’s readiness to support efforts aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war and securing lasting peace.

Turkey Calls for Safer Black Sea Navigation

Erdogan said Turkey was prepared to continue its efforts to revive direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.

“During the meeting, President Erdogan stated that Turkey was ready to do all it can for the Ukraine-Russia war to end with lasting peace,” the Turkish presidency said, adding that Ankara would continue efforts to restart direct talks.

The Turkish president also stressed the need to protect navigation in the Black Sea.

Ankara said attacks on commercial vessels were difficult to justify and called on both Russia and Ukraine to act responsibly to prevent further threats to maritime traffic.

Turkey has previously offered proposals to both sides aimed at stopping attacks in the Black Sea. Some incidents have involved Turkish-owned vessels and resulted in the deaths of Turkish citizens.

Zelenskiy Signals Support for Maritime Truce

Zelenskiy earlier told leaders attending a Crimean Platform summit on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly that Ukraine was prepared to consider a maritime truce in the Black Sea.

He said such an arrangement could be based on proposals put forward by countries including Egypt, India and Turkey.

The issue has wider implications for global food supplies, particularly for countries in Asia, the Middle East and Africa that depend on grain exports from the Black Sea region.

Black Sea Grain Deal Remains a Key Issue

Turkey and the United Nations helped broker the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July 2022, allowing Ukrainian grain to be exported safely through the region despite the ongoing war.

Russia withdrew from the agreement the following year, arguing that restrictions and other obstacles were hampering its food and fertiliser exports.

Since then, uncertainty around Black Sea shipping has continued to affect grain supplies and prices. Global wheat prices have risen as major importers face difficulties securing supplies from the region.

Turkey Maintains Ties With Both Moscow and Kyiv

Turkey, a NATO member, has maintained relations with both Russia and Ukraine throughout the conflict.

Ankara has provided military support to Kyiv and backed Ukraine’s territorial integrity, while declining to participate in Western sanctions against Moscow.

At the same time, Turkey has maintained significant commercial ties with Russia and has positioned itself as a potential mediator between the two sides.

Ankara has previously hosted direct talks between Russia and Ukraine and has continued to push for diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.