In brief
On 31 October 2026, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Istanbul and demanded that Russia and Ukraine cease attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea. Erdogan stressed Turkey’s mediating role and said Ankara had already sent a proposal to end the strikes, while Zelensky outlined plans for a new grain corridor to restore safe maritime navigation. U.S. officials noted growing international interest in a limited ceasefire to keep grain and energy flows moving.
On 31 October 2026, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Russia and Ukraine to stop targeting civilian vessels in the Black Sea during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul.
In the meeting, Erdogan said attacks on civilian vessels were unacceptable, “regardless of who carries them out or what justification is offered.” He noted that Turkey has been angered by the strikes on commercial shipping, has sent a proposal to end attacks, and said neither side has yet acted on it.
He also emphasized Turkey’s role as a mediator, adding that reaching an agreement on navigation would give a fresh impetus to efforts for lasting peace in Ukraine.
During the same conference, Zelensky said he had reached an agreement with Erdogan to work on a Black Sea grain corridor and thanked the Turkish leader for the dialogue. He described the corridor as a way to “ensure safe navigation and restore normal living conditions.”
Erdogan’s statement was echoed by the Arab News, which reported that he condemned attacks on civilian vessels and called for both Russia and Ukraine to exercise responsibility. The outlet highlighted Turkey’s attempts to mediate without taking sides.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in comments reported by Al Jazeera, said there was growing international interest in a limited ceasefire in the Black Sea to secure grain and energy shipments by both sides. He noted that the United States was reviewing proposals by Turkey and India to get grain movements underway.
