Erdogan and Zelenskyy Push Black Sea Grain Corridor

Turkey and Ukraine have agreed to pursue a new grain shipping corridor through the Black Sea as attacks on commercial vessels threaten maritime security and international trade. During a meeting in Istanbul on Saturday, October 31, 2026, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Russia and Ukraine to stop targeting civilian ships and support diplomatic efforts to restore safe navigation.

The discussions also covered potential peace negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, the United States, Turkey and European partners. The agreement on maritime cooperation comes amid growing international interest in a limited ceasefire to protect commercial shipping routes.

Erdogan said attacks on civilian vessels were unacceptable regardless of which side carried them out. He warned that escalating maritime tensions would undermine the interests of all parties.

"It is clear that attacks against civilian vessels and actions that further escalate tensions in the Black Sea serve no one's interests," said Erdogan.

The Turkish president emphasized that civilian shipping must remain protected regardless of the arguments used to justify attacks.

"We cannot accept these attacks under any circumstances, regardless of who carries them out or what justification is offered," Erdogan said.

He also appealed directly to the parties involved in the conflict.

"We call on all parties to act responsibly on this matter," Erdogan said.

Turkey has maintained diplomatic relations with both Moscow and Kyiv while expressing concern about attacks on commercial shipping. Ankara previously submitted a proposal to Russia and Ukraine aimed at stopping strikes against vessels, but neither side had implemented the initiative.

Erdogan also linked maritime security to broader diplomatic efforts to end the war.

"I believe that reaching an agreement on this issue would also give fresh impetus to efforts to secure lasting peace in Ukraine," he said.

He welcomed renewed international initiatives, particularly efforts associated with US President Donald Trump, and reiterated Ankara's willingness to support negotiations.

"At this point, we maintain that there can be no losers in a just peace," Erdogan said.

He subsequently reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to diplomatic engagement.

"I would like to emphasise that we stand ready to make every possible effort to pave the way for peace," he said.

Erdogan also referred to previous negotiations hosted by Turkey as evidence that diplomatic engagement could produce meaningful progress.

"Tangible results can be achieved through diplomacy," Erdogan said.

Ukraine's position focused on restoring maritime security and expanding the diplomatic framework for negotiations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his discussions with Erdogan included practical proposals for protecting Black Sea navigation.

He announced an agreement to develop a new shipping arrangement for agricultural exports.

"Today, I reached an agreement with President Erdogan to work on the Black Sea grain corridor," Zelenskyy said.

He thanked Turkey for supporting safe navigation and efforts to restore normal conditions in the region. The Ukrainian president also described the proposals discussed during their meeting.

"We discussed with President Erdogan some ideas and proposals that can help," Zelenskyy said.

The two leaders also examined possible formats for future peace negotiations. Zelenskyy said Ukraine was preparing for a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia during the first half of November.

He explained that Turkey and European partners could also participate in alternative diplomatic arrangements.

"We're currently preparing for a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the US and Russia in the first half of November. Mr President and I have discussed the prospects for the meeting and other options, including the possible involvement of Türkiye, Europe and all our partners, as well as the possibility of a meeting here in Türkiye," Zelenskyy said.

He stressed that negotiations would require firm commitments and continued international backing for Ukraine.

"Strong decisions are needed for there to be peace," Zelenskyy said.

He also called for continued international pressure on Moscow.

"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," he said.

In a separate statement, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of decisive diplomatic measures.

"Strong decisions are needed to achieve peace, and signals must be sent to Russia at all levels that there is no alternative to peace and that support for Ukraine will continue," Zelenskyy said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also confirmed growing international interest in protecting grain and energy shipments through the Black Sea. Speaking in Atlanta, Georgia, after a G20 foreign ministers meeting, he said Washington was reviewing proposals submitted by Turkey and India.

Rubio highlighted the potential consequences for international food and energy supplies.

"This is threatening the world for food security and some energy security as well," Rubio said.

He described a limited maritime ceasefire as a practical objective, while acknowledging that it would not resolve the broader conflict.

"We'd like to achieve it. It doesn't solve the war, but at least it solves a unique aspect of it," he said.

Meanwhile, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey have strengthened their regional security coordination. Following a trilateral defense meeting in Sofia on October 28, the three countries condemned attacks against commercial vessels and called for protection of maritime infrastructure and freedom of navigation.

The Financial Times, citing maritime security company Ambrey and the International Maritime Organization, reported that more than 570 vessels had been hit in the Black Sea since the beginning of 2026, with at least 40 seafarers killed.

The three countries agreed to improve intelligence sharing, maritime monitoring and early-warning capabilities. Their joint declaration also emphasized compliance with international law, including the Montreux Convention and applicable international humanitarian law.

Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler said Ankara would maintain its existing implementation of the Montreux Convention.

"I believe that the united and resolute position we have demonstrated here today, in full coordination and solidarity with our friends and allies Bulgaria and Romania, is important in clearly reminding both warring parties that the security of commercial shipping routes in the Black Sea and the safety of littoral countries constitute inviolable red lines," Güler said.

The Bulgarian Navy also reported a rescue operation involving the Liberian-flagged merchant vessel Contship Jet. The ship had been struck by an unmanned surface vessel approximately 17 miles east of Cape Kaliakra while traveling toward Romania's port of Constanta.

Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey plan to continue consultations, with their next meetings scheduled to take place in Ankara and Bucharest.