Erdogan says Turkey ready to support lasting peace in Russia-Ukraine war

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday that Ankara remains ready to do everything possible to end the Russia-Ukraine war through a lasting peace, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly session. Erdogan stated that Turkey would continue efforts to revive direct negotiations between the two countries, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency's communications directorate. He also stressed the need for measures to ensure navigation security in the Black Sea, calling attacks on commercial ships "unjustifiable." The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, the war, and regional developments at the Turkish House in Washington. Erdogan added that Turkey would strengthen ties with Ukraine, highlighting potential cooperation in energy, mining, and defense industries as mutually beneficial.