Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday expressed support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call for an aerial and sea truce in the ongoing Ukraine war, aligning Turkey’s diplomatic efforts with recent proposals from European leaders.
“We support the idea of establishing a ceasefire as soon as possible and stopping attacks in the air and at sea as a confidence-building measure between the parties,” Erdoğan stated during an online meeting organized by the EU.
Turkey’s Role in Black Sea Security
Erdoğan highlighted that Turkey’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea align with the proposed ceasefire initiative. “Our efforts to reach an agreement that will guarantee the safety of navigation in the Black Sea align with this approach,” he said.
His remarks followed a statement by Zelensky, who called for “silence in the skies… and also silence at sea” on X, after a massive Russian attack on Ukraine’s energy grid overnight.
Growing International Support for Ceasefire Talks
The proposal for an aerial and maritime ceasefire has also gained traction in Europe. On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that London and Paris were proposing a one-month truce covering airspace, maritime zones, and Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Turkey, which has maintained diplomatic relations with both Ukraine and Russia since the war began, has twice hosted peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow. Erdoğan reiterated the need for both sides to be present at the negotiating table for any meaningful resolution.
“Today, we draw attention to the importance of a solid diplomatic ground where both warring parties will be at the table for a just, lasting, and honorable peace,” he emphasized.
