Andrea Innocenti Last Saturday, a high-level meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took place in Istanbul . The meeting, held in a diplomatic context, focused on the shared desire to revive the Black Sea Grain Corridor , which is crucial for the food supply of millions of people.
During the joint press conference, Erdogan emphasized the unacceptability of any attack on civilian vessels in the area, regardless of the perpetrator. He called on both sides—Russia and Ukraine—to behave responsibly, stressing that escalation serves no one. Zelenskyy confirmed that much of the dialogue focused on maritime safety and expressed gratitude for Turkey's support.
Meeting in Istanbul: objectives and statements
Specifically, Erdogan stated that Turkey has already sent a proposal to Moscow and Kiev to halt attacks on commercial vessels, but so far neither side has followed up. The Turkish president reiterated that reopening the grain corridor could boost a broader peace process in Ukraine, helping restore normal living conditions for the population.
Call for cessation of attacks on civilian vessels
Erdogan's argument was clear: "We cannot accept attacks on civilian vessels under any circumstances ." He called on all parties involved to respect freedom of navigation and avoid any justification that could fuel further tensions. Turkey's position, traditionally balanced between Moscow and Kiev, is now expressed more firmly, responding to international pressure to ensure the safety of maritime traffic.
International perspectives: USA, India and possible negotiations
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted growing global interest in a limited truce in the Black Sea , aimed at unblocking grain and energy shipments. He emphasized that, while not solving the war, such a truce would alleviate a serious threat to global food security.
The Turkish government, together with India, has presented concrete proposals to restart shipments. Erdogan also welcomed recent diplomatic initiatives, particularly the intervention of US President Donald Trump , emphasizing that no one should be a "loser" in a just peace. Turkey declared itself ready to facilitate further rounds of talks, including possible meetings in the United Arab Emirates scheduled for November.
Role of the G20 and other actors
At a meeting of G20 Foreign Ministers in Atlanta, Georgia , discussions reiterated the urgency of an agreement on the Grain Corridor . Some delegates called for tougher sanctions against entities threatening shipping, while others proposed joint monitoring mechanisms. The presence of key figures like Marco Rubio highlighted the centrality of the issue in global diplomacy.
The Istanbul meeting marked a decisive step toward reactivating a vital waterway for European and Middle Eastern food supplies. The combined pressure from Turkey, the United States, India, and the G20 countries could prove a watershed moment if the parties involved agree to respect the demands for maritime responsibility and security expressed by Erdogan and Zelenskyy.