Turkish President Erdogan has told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea make no sense. He said both countries must take immediate steps to stop them.
The Black Sea is now not only a theatre of war but also a major route for the world's grain supplies. Commercial ships have been attacked from both the Russian and Ukrainian sides. Some of the vessels hit have been Turkish, and civilians have been killed.
Turkey sends proposals to both sides
The Turkish government has sent proposals to both sides for an end to the attacks, but is still awaiting a response. Several countries in Asia, the Middle East and Africa import wheat via the Black Sea. The attacks have made supplies difficult and pushed up wheat prices around the world, directly affecting household food costs.
Turkey's mediation
Turkey has maintained good relations with both countries since the beginning of the war. Although a NATO member, it has refused to join Western sanctions on Russia. It has also backed Ukraine's territorial integrity and provided military assistance.
According to Erdogan's office, the Turkish president told the two leaders at their meeting that he was ready to do everything possible to end the war with a lasting peace. Efforts to restart direct talks will continue.
'Concrete steps needed to protect ships in the Black Sea'
Turkey said concrete steps were needed to protect ships in the Black Sea and that both sides must act responsibly. Earlier, at a Crimea Platform meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Zelensky had said Kyiv was ready for a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea. Such an agreement could be based on proposals from countries including Egypt, India and Turkey.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative was launched in 2022 with the help of Turkey and the United Nations, allowing Ukrainian grain to be exported safely. A year later, however, Russia withdrew from the deal, alleging that obstacles were being placed in the way of its own food and fertiliser exports.