Erdoğan warns Black Sea must not become confrontation zone amid Ukraine attacks

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned on Saturday that the Black Sea should not become an "area of confrontation" between Russia and Ukraine, following recent strikes that highlight risks to regional navigation.

"The Black Sea should not be seen as an area of confrontation. This would not benefit Russia or Ukraine. Everyone needs safe navigation in the Black Sea," Erdoğan told reporters aboard his plane, as quoted by the Anadolu Agency.

The statement came after a Russian air strike damaged a Turkish-owned vessel in Ukraine's Odesa region port of Chornomorsk, according to Kiev and the ship's operator.

The attack occurred hours after Erdoğan discussed the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting in Turkmenistan.

Erdoğan proposed a "limited ceasefire" on attacks targeting ports and energy facilities in the Russia-Ukraine war, according to his office.

In his conversation with reporters, Erdoğan said the talks with Putin focused primarily on the war and peace efforts.

"Like all other actors, Mr. Putin knows very well where Türkiye stands on this issue," he noted.

"After this meeting we held with Putin, we hope to have the opportunity to also discuss the peace plan with U.S. President (Donald) Trump," Erdoğan added.

"Peace is not far away, we can see it."

Türkiye, maintaining relations with both Moscow and Kiev throughout the conflict, controls the Bosphorus Strait, crucial for Ukrainian grain exports and Russian oil shipments to the Mediterranean.

Recent weeks have seen attacks on Russia-linked tankers in the Black Sea, some claimed by Kiev using drones, prompting strong criticism from Ankara, which summoned diplomats from both nations.