Erdogan tells Zelenskiy Black Sea vessel attacks are inexplicable

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea are inexplicable and that steps must be taken to stop them, his office said on Thursday. Erdogan stated Turkey is ready to do all it can for a lasting peace and will continue efforts to revive direct negotiations, urging both sides to act responsibly on navigational safety. Ankara has sent offers to both countries to halt attacks, some of which hit Turkish-owned vessels. Zelenskiy earlier voiced readiness for a maritime truce based on proposals from Egypt, India, and Turkey. Turkey previously mediated the Black Sea Grain Initiative, from which Russia withdrew in 2023, and has maintained ties with Moscow while backing Kyiv.