The Turkish and Ukrainian presidents discussed civilian shipping in Istanbul and agreed to work on a Black Sea grain corridor. Erdoğan called for attacks on merchant vessels to stop regardless of who carries them out. Ankara says neither Russia nor Ukraine has implemented its proposal to end such attacks, while diplomatic discussions continue.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Istanbul on Saturday and agreed to work on a Black Sea grain corridor. At their joint news conference, Erdoğan condemned attacks on civilian vessels regardless of who carried them out or what justification was offered. Zelenskyy said maritime security had occupied a substantial part of their discussion and welcomed Türkiye’s support for safe navigation.[1], [2]
Türkiye maintains ties with both Moscow and Kyiv and says it has proposed ending attacks on shipping to both governments. Neither has acted on that proposal, according to Ankara. Erdoğan urged all parties to act responsibly and said discussions on restoring safe navigation would continue. Zelenskyy described the agreement with Erdoğan as work toward an effective grain corridor; the leaders did not announce that such a route had opened.[1]
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was reviewing Turkish and Indian proposals to get grain shipments moving. Speaking after the Atlanta ministerial meeting, he said a limited Black Sea arrangement could address food and energy security without resolving the whole war. Erdoğan backed renewed diplomatic efforts. Zelenskyy said the Istanbul discussion also covered planned talks involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States, and possible participation by Türkiye, Europe and other partners.[1]
