Erdogan tells Zelenskiy Black Sea vessel attacks are inexplicable

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that attacks by Russia and Ukraine on commercial vessels in the Black Sea were inexplicable and steps must be taken to stop them, according to a readout from his office on Thursday. Turkey, a NATO member with ties to both Moscow and Kyiv, has urged the warring sides to halt Black Sea attacks. Erdogan said Turkey was ready to help end the war with lasting peace and revive direct negotiations, while stressing the need for navigational safety. Ankara has sent offers to both sides to stop attacks, some of which targeted Turkish-owned vessels and killed citizens, and seeks safe grain shipments. Turkey previously mediated the Black Sea Grain Initiative, from which Russia withdrew in 2023.