Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the attacks against civilian vessels in the Black Sea as unacceptable and called on Russia and Ukraine to act responsibly to avoid an escalation in the region. The demand was made during a press conference in Istanbul alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"It is clear that attacks against civilian vessels and actions that further intensify tensions in the Black Sea benefit no one," Erdogan stated.
The Turkish leader added: "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 in this matter."
Ankara presented Moscow and Kyiv with a proposal to stop attacks against civilian ships, though it maintains that the parties did not act in accordance with that initiative.
Zelensky accused Russia of aggravating the situation in the Black Sea and noted that navigation security occupied a central part of his meeting with Erdogan. "We spoke with President Erdogan about some ideas and proposals that may be useful. And I personally thank the president for this dialogue," he emphasized.
Erdogan indicated that talks to restore security conditions on maritime routes will continue. "I believe that reaching an agreement on this matter would also give a new impetus to the efforts…
AI Brief
Your highlights
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan stand during a press conference following their meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, on October 31, 2026 (REUTERS/Kemal Aslan)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea as unacceptable and called on Russia and Ukraine to act responsibly to prevent an escalation in the region. The demand was made during a press conference in Istanbul alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"It is clear that attacks on civilian vessels and actions that further intensify tensions in the Black Sea benefit no one," Erdogan stated. The Turkish leader added: "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 in this matter."
Ankara presented Moscow and Kyiv with a proposal to stop attacks on civilian ships, though it maintains that the parties did not act in accordance with that initiative.
Zelensky accused Russia of aggravating the situation in the Black Sea and noted that navigation security was a central part of his meeting with Erdogan. "We spoke with President Erdogan about some ideas and proposals that may be useful. And I personally thank the president for this dialogue," he emphasized.
Erdogan indicated that talks to restore security conditions on maritime routes will continue. "I believe that reaching an agreement on this issue would also give new impetus to efforts to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine," he added.
Turkey has hosted several rounds of contacts between Russia and Ukraine aimed at reaching a ceasefire and a peace agreement. On Wednesday, Erdogan spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump and stated that Turkey is willing to support a revival of the diplomatic process, according to the Turkish leader's office.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shake hands during a press conference in Istanbul, Turkey, on October 31, 2026 (REUTERS/Kemal Aslan)
In addition, the Turkish head of state backed efforts to advance diplomatic initiatives to end the Kremlin's invasion and highlighted the initiative promoted by US President Donald Trump. "At this point, we maintain that in a just peace there can be no losers," he stressed.
The Turkish leader reiterated that Ankara is willing to participate in mediation efforts. "I would like to emphasize that we are ready to do everything possible to pave the way to peace," he added. In this regard, he mentioned that the negotiations hosted by Turkey between the warring parties demonstrated that "tangible results can be achieved through diplomacy."
Last week, the Kremlin announced that the next round of talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States was scheduled for November in the United Arab Emirates.
Zelensky indicated that he discussed with Erdogan that dialogue format and other options to bring in Turkey, European countries and other allies. "Firm decisions are needed for there to be peace," he stated, adding: "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."
Russian President Vladimir Putin (r) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on September 1, 2026. (Vyacheslav Prokofyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
In parallel, Zelensky welcomed the United States' authorization to sell Kyiv 500 Patriot interceptor missiles for around 2 billion euros, though he demanded that deliveries be accelerated given the need to strengthen air defense during the winter.
"A firm decision by the US State Department (...) 500 interceptors is a substantial quantity, and very soon -- this winter -- they could form a highly effective defense package," Zelensky stated in a social media post. "However, it has been stipulated that deliveries may begin in a few years," he warned.
For this reason, he asked Washington to consider an alternative to shorten the timelines for providing the weaponry. "We ask our American partners to find a solution for this moment in which there is a real danger and a real need to use the interceptors," he declared.
(With information from AFP, EFE and Europa Press)