❗️Erdogan urges Russia, Ukraine to halt attacks on Black Sea commercial vessels

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday that attacks by Russia and Ukraine against commercial vessels in the Black Sea were inexplicable and that measures should be taken to prevent further incidents, according to a statement from Erdogan’s office.

"During the meeting, President Erdogan stated that Turkiye was ready to do all it can for the Ukraine-Russia war to end with lasting peace, that we will continue our efforts to revive direct negotiations," the Turkish presidency said.

"Our President stated that a step must be taken regarding navigational safety in the Black Sea, that attacks on commercial vessels are inexplicable, and that we expect the sides to act responsibly," it added.

Ankara has said it has proposed measures to both Ukraine and Russia aimed at stopping the attacks, some of which have targeted Turkish-owned vessels and killed Turkish citizens, and is awaiting their responses. Turkiye has also stressed the need to ensure the safe movement of grain shipments from the region.

Earlier, Zelensky told leaders attending a "Crimean Platform" summit on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly that Kyiv was prepared to support a maritime truce in the Black Sea based on proposals put forward by Egypt, India and Turkiye.