Erdogan calls on Russia, Ukraine to halt Black Sea attacks on ships

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Russia and Ukraine on Saturday to halt attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea, saying the strikes are “unacceptable” no matter who carries them out. He made the appeal at a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul, where the two leaders also announced plans to develop a new grain corridor through the contested waterway.

The plea comes as the Black Sea has become a flashpoint for the war’s wider economic impact. Russian missile strikes and Ukrainian drone attacks have repeatedly hit commercial vessels, choking grain exports that feed millions and disrupting energy shipments. Turkey, which keeps diplomatic channels open with both Moscow and Kyiv, has already sent a joint proposal to end the attacks, but neither side has responded. The United States, represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said there is growing international interest in a limited cease‑fire to protect these vital shipments.

Erdogan stressed that “attacks against civilian vessels serve no one’s interests” and urged all parties to act responsibly. Zelenskyy blamed Russia for making navigation in the Black Sea “difficult” and said a large part of his discussion with Erdogan focused on security. Both leaders said they would work on concrete ideas to make the grain corridor safe, thanking each other for the dialogue. Rubio added that proposals from Turkey and India to move grain are under review, warning that continued disruptions threaten global food and energy security.

Talks to restore safe navigation are set to continue in Ankara, which has hosted several rounds of Russia‑Ukraine negotiations. Erdogan said any agreement on the Black Sea could give fresh momentum to broader peace efforts and reaffirmed Turkey’s readiness to support diplomatic initiatives, including President Donald Trump’s recent peace overtures. If successful, the corridor could ease shortages, lower shipping costs and reduce the risk of further escalation in the region.