Turkiye’s Erdogan urges Russia and Ukraine to stop Black Sea attacks

AFP reports that Erdogan told a news conference with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul that "attacks against civilian vessels and actions that further escalate tensions in the Black Sea serve no one's interests"[1].Erdogan said, as quoted by Al Jazeera, that "We cannot accept these attacks under any circumstances, regardless of who carries them out or what justification is offered"[2].France 24, carrying AFP's report, says Ankara has sent a proposal to Russia and Ukraine to end strikes on civilian ships, but says the two foes have failed to act on it.[1]According to Al Jazeera, Zelenskyy accused Russia of making the situation in the Black Sea difficult[2], and he said: "Today, I reached an agreement with President Erdogan to work on the Black Sea grain corridor"[2].Erdogan said that a deal on safe navigation "would also give fresh impetus to efforts to secure lasting peace in Ukraine"[1], according to AFP.AFP also reports that Erdogan welcomed renewed momentum behind efforts to bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end through "diplomatic means", referring in particular to Trump's initiative.[1]Al Jazeera reports that the Kremlin said last week the next round of talks between Russia, Ukraine and the US was planned to resume in November in the United Arab Emirates.[2] Zelenskyy said he had also talked through other options with Erdogan, including the possibility of a meeting in Turkiye[2], Al Jazeera reports.