Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has publicly urged both Russia and the Kyiv regime to halt attacks on civilian shipping in the Black Sea. Speaking at a joint press conference in Istanbul alongside Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Erdogan stressed that targeting commercial vessels is entirely unacceptable regardless of who carries out the strikes or what justifications are offered.

The high-level talks resulted in an agreement between Ankara and the Ukrainian leadership to collaborate on establishing a new Black Sea grain corridor. Although Turkey has previously submitted proposals to both Moscow and Kyiv to cease maritime attacks, officials in Ankara acknowledge that neither side has taken actionable steps to implement them. Zelenskyy accused Russia of complicating navigation, while emphasizing the importance of securing maritime routes. *

Meanwhile, the US regime claimed through Secretary of State Marco Rubio that international interest is mounting for a limited ceasefire in the Black Sea to protect grain and energy shipments. Rubio stated that Washington is reviewing proposals from Turkey and India, noting that while it would not end the broader conflict, it could resolve a specific logistical challenge.

Erdogan also welcomed renewed diplomatic momentum, pointing specifically to US President Donald Trump’s initiatives, and reiterated Turkey's readiness to facilitate peace talks. However, observers remain cautious about the prospects of a lasting settlement amid deep-seated geopolitical friction between the warring parties.

Source: www.aljazeera.com