Erdogan Tells Zelenskiy Black Sea Attacks on Commercial Vessels Are ‘Inexplicable’
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to take steps to halt attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, describing such incidents by Russia and Ukraine as “inexplicable”. The comments were made during Erdogan’s meeting with Zelenskiy, according to a statement released by the Turkish presidency on Thursday.
Turkey has sought to maintain a diplomatic role between Moscow and Kyiv since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Ankara has repeatedly called for greater protection of commercial shipping in the Black Sea.
Erdogan Pushes for Maritime Security
During the meeting, Erdogan said Turkey was prepared to continue working towards a lasting end to the Russia-Ukraine war and efforts to revive direct negotiations between the two countries. The Turkish presidency said Erdogan stressed the importance of ensuring navigational safety in the Black Sea and urged both sides to behave responsibly.
“Attacks on commercial vessels are inexplicable,” the statement said, adding that Ankara expects Russia and Ukraine to take steps to address the issue.
Turkey has previously presented proposals to both Moscow and Kyiv aimed at stopping attacks at sea. Some of the vessels affected have been Turkish-owned, with incidents also resulting in the deaths of Turkish citizens.
Ukraine Open to Black Sea Maritime Truce
Zelenskiy has also signalled Ukraine’s willingness to consider a maritime truce in the Black Sea. Speaking at a Crimean Platform summit held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the Ukrainian president said Kyiv was ready to discuss a maritime ceasefire based on proposals from countries including Turkey, India and Egypt.
The security of Black Sea shipping is particularly significant for global food markets, as countries across Asia, Africa and the Middle East depend on grain exports from the region.
Black Sea Grain Exports Under Pressure
Turkey and the United Nations helped broker the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July 2022, allowing Ukrainian agricultural exports to reach international markets despite the war. Russia withdrew from the agreement in 2023, saying its own food and fertiliser exports continued to face obstacles.
The breakdown of the deal increased uncertainty around grain shipments from the region and contributed to volatility in global wheat markets.
Turkey Balances Ties With Russia and Ukraine
Turkey has maintained relations with both Moscow and Kyiv while pursuing a role as a mediator in the conflict. Ankara has supplied military support to Ukraine and backed its territorial integrity but has not joined Western sanctions against Russia.
Turkey has also maintained commercial ties with Moscow and previously hosted rounds of direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Erdogan’s latest comments reflect Ankara’s continued push for diplomatic engagement as attacks and security concerns persist in the Black Sea.
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