Erdogan Demands End to Black Sea Strikes as Ukraine Talks on Grain Route

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Saturday for an immediate halt to attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea, speaking at a joint news conference in Istanbul with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two leaders also agreed to work together on establishing a grain corridor through the waterway, according to Zelenskyy.

"We cannot accept these attacks under any circumstances, regardless of who carries them out or what justification is offered," Erdogan said, adding that Ankara calls on all parties to act responsibly. He said attacks against civilian vessels escalate tensions and serve no one's interests. Turkey maintains working ties with both Russia and Ukraine.

Ankara has circulated a proposal to Moscow and Kyiv aimed at halting the strikes on commercial shipping, but neither side has acted on it, according to Turkey's account. Zelenskyy blamed Russia for complicating conditions in the Black Sea and said a significant portion of his conversation with Erdogan focused on security there. "Today, I reached an agreement with President Erdogan to work on the Black Sea grain corridor," Zelenskyy said. He also discussed with Erdogan other ideas and proposals for the waterway.

The meeting took place the same day US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said international interest is growing in a limited ceasefire on the Black Sea to keep grain and energy shipments moving. The US is reviewing proposals from Turkey and India to restart those shipments, Rubio said. Speaking at a news conference in Atlanta after a G20 foreign ministers meeting, Rubio said the issue affects food and energy security. "It doesn't solve the war, but at least it solves a unique aspect of it," Rubio said. "This is threatening the world for food security and some energy security as well."

Erdogan also pointed to US President Donald Trump's initiative as part of renewed diplomatic momentum, saying Turkey stands ready to make every possible effort to pave the way for peace. He said there can be no losers in a just peace. Erdogan said Turkey has hosted several rounds of talks between Russia and Ukraine and that tangible results can be achieved through diplomacy. During a phone call with Trump on Wednesday, Erdogan said Turkey is prepared to support efforts to revive the diplomatic process and end the war, according to the Turkish president's office. Zelenskyy said he discussed with Erdogan the planned November talks in the United Arab Emirates involving Russia, Ukraine and the US, along with other formats that could include Turkey and Europe, and the possibility of a meeting in Turkey. "Strong decisions are needed for there to be peace," Zelenskyy said. "It is necessary at all levels to send signals to Russia that there is no alternative to peace and that support for Ukraine will continue." He said Turkey supports efforts to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea. Erdogan said discussions on restoring safe navigation would continue and that an agreement would give fresh impetus to efforts to secure lasting peace in Ukraine. The Kremlin said last week that the next round of talks between Russia, Ukraine and the US was planned to resume in November in the United Arab Emirates.