Keep civilian ships out of it: Erdogan warns Russia and Ukraine over Black Sea attacks

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged Russia and Ukraine to act responsibly over attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, warning that further escalation would serve neither side’s interests. — AFP pic

First Published: Sunday, 01 Nov 2026 12:36 PM MYT

ISTANBUL, Nov 1 — Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday attacks aimed at civilian vessels in the Black Sea were unacceptable, urging Russia and Ukraine to “act responsibly”.

Despite its ties with both Russia and Ukraine, Turkey has been infuriated by the attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea.

“It is clear that attacks against civilian vessels and actions that further escalate tensions in the Black Sea serve no one’s interests,” Erdogan told a news conference with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul.

“We cannot accept these attacks under any circumstances, regardless of who carries them out or what justification is offered. We call on all parties to act responsibly on this matter,” he said.

Ankara has sent a proposal to Russia and Ukraine to end strikes on civilian ships, but says the two foes have failed to act on it.

Zelensky accused Russia of making the situation in the Black Sea difficult and said a significant part of the conversation with Erdogan was devoted precisely to such issues that concerned the security there.

“We discussed with President Erdogan some ideas and proposals that can help. And I thank Mr President personally for this dialogue,” he said.

Erdogan said the talks aimed at restoring the safety of navigation in the Black Sea would continue.

“I believe that reaching an agreement on this issue would also give fresh impetus to efforts to secure lasting peace in Ukraine,” he added.

Turkey has hosted several rounds of talks between Russia and Ukraine aiming for a lasting ceasefire and peace deal.

In a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Erdogan said Turkey was ready to support efforts to revive the diplomatic process between Ukraine and Russia and bring the war to an end, said the Turkish leader’s office.

‘Possibility to meet in Turkey’

Yesterday, Erdogan also welcomed renewed momentum behind efforts to bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end through “diplomatic means”, referring in particular to Trump’s initiative.

“At this point, we maintain that there can be no losers in a just peace,” he said.

“I would like to emphasise that we stand ready to make every possible effort to pave the way for peace,” he said.

Turkey-hosted negotiations between the two warring parties demonstrated that “tangible results can be achieved through diplomacy”, he added.

Last week, Kremlin said the next round of talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States were planned to resume in November in the United Arab Emirates.

Zelensky said he had discussed with Erdogan this format of talks and other possibilities, “in particular the possibilities of involving Turkey, involving Europe, involving all partners. The possibilities of a meeting here, in Turkey.

“Strong decisions are needed for there to be peace,” he added.

“And it is necessary at all levels to send signals to Russia that there is no alternative to peace and that support for Ukraine will continue.”

After talks with Erdogan, Zelensky was due to meet Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew. — AFP