Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea were inexplicable and must be brought to an end.
During their meeting, Erdoğan said both Russia and Ukraine should act responsibly and take practical steps to protect navigation in one of the world’s most important grain-export corridors.
The Turkish presidency said Ankara remained ready to do everything possible to help end the war through a lasting peace and revive direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.
Turkey has maintained diplomatic and commercial ties with both countries while supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and providing Kyiv with military assistance.
Ankara has already submitted proposals intended to halt attacks on ships and ports. Some recent incidents have affected Turkish-owned vessels and caused Turkish casualties.
Disruption in the Black Sea has reduced grain shipments and contributed to higher wheat prices, creating particular difficulties for import-dependent countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Turkey and the United Nations previously mediated the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and Ankara is seeking a new arrangement that could restore safe food exports and support wider peace negotiations.
Sources: Reuters report via Al-Monitor; The Straits Times.
Featured photo: Anastasios Antoniadis/Unsplash. The image is illustrative.
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
