Erdogan calls for end to Black Sea attacks as Turkey brokers grain talks

Erdogan hosted Zelenskyy in the Turkish metropolis on Thursday, where the two leaders discussed mechanisms to restore grain exports disrupted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Turkey has positioned itself as a key diplomatic intermediary in the conflict, leveraging its NATO membership and strategic location controlling passage through the Bosporus Strait.

The Turkish president stressed the importance of ceasing hostile actions in the Black Sea, where both Ukrainian and Russian forces have targeted commercial shipping and port infrastructure. Erdogan emphasized that reopening shipping lanes would benefit not only the two warring nations but also global food security, particularly for developing countries dependent on Ukrainian grain exports.

During their meeting, Zelenskyy and Erdogan agreed to collaborate on establishing a new corridor for grain shipments. The proposed route would circumvent areas of active conflict while maintaining security guarantees for merchant vessels. Previous grain export agreements brokered by Turkey and the United Nations had temporarily stabilized supplies before collapsing amid renewed military tensions.

Turkey has maintained diplomatic channels with both Kyiv and Moscow throughout the conflict, hosting peace negotiations and facilitating humanitarian exchanges. Ankara's involvement in grain corridor negotiations reflects its efforts to mitigate the broader humanitarian and economic consequences of the war on developing nations, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.