Erdogan Calls for End to Black Sea Attacks, Proposes Lasting Peace

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan met with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskiy to discuss the recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. Erdogan stated that these attacks are 'inexplicable' and called for steps to be taken to stop them. Turkey has maintained cordial ties with both Moscow and Kyiv since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Erdogan expressed his country's readiness to help end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, stating that a lasting peace is the ultimate goal. He also emphasized the need for navigational safety in the Black Sea, as attacks on commercial vessels have targeted Turkish-owned vessels and killed its citizens.

The meeting comes after Zelenskiy proposed a maritime truce in the Black Sea based on proposals from Egypt, India, and Turkey. This initiative aims to allow for the safe export of Ukrainian grain amid the war. However, Russia withdrew from the agreement last year, complaining that its own food and fertilizer exports faced obstacles.