In brief
In a joint press conference in Istanbul, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Russia and Ukraine to cease attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea, insisting such strikes are unacceptable. He and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also agreed to collaborate on a new grain corridor to restore safe navigation and maritime commerce. The move underscores Turkey’s role as a mediator amid war‑impacted global food security concerns.
In Istanbul on 31 October 2026, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the press together, calling on Russia and Ukraine to stop attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea. The leaders met amid growing alarm over incidents that have jeopardised the region’s maritime traffic and global grain shipments.
“We cannot accept these attacks under any circumstances, regardless of who carries them out or what justification is offered,” Erdogan said, echoing Al Jazeera’s reporting of the president’s remarks. He added, “It is clear that attacks against civilian vessels and actions that further escalating tensions in the Black Sea serve no one’s interests.”
Erdogan said that Ankara has sent Russia and Ukraine a proposal to end such attacks, but so far neither side has acted on it. The president also referenced recent incidents, noting that the Liberian‑flagged container ship Contship Jet was struck by drones in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, a situation that has added to concerns about commercial shipping safety.
“Today, I reached an agreement with President Erdogan to work on the Black Sea grain corridor,” Zelensky said, according to Al Jazeera. He added, “I thanked the Turkish leader for the dialogue.”
During the conference, the two leaders discussed ideas to guarantee safe navigation and restore normal living conditions in the region. “We discussed with President Erdogan some ideas and proposals that can help,” Zelensky said. “I believe that reaching an agreement on this issue would also give fresh impetus to efforts to secure lasting peace in Ukraine.”
The move comes as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted growing international interest in a limited ceasefire in the Black Sea to secure grain and energy shipments, extending Turkey’s role as a mediator. The ongoing conflict continues to threaten global food security, with the war hindering grain exports from the Black Sea region. The proposed grain corridor is expected to play a key role in restoring maritime commerce and stabilising the supply chain for countries worldwide.
