Black Sea security at center of Erdoğan's ceasefire proposal to Putin
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan affirms that "peace is not far" following high-level discussions with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, and says he intends to advance a potential Ukraine peace plan, including through dialogue with President Donald Trump, Reuters reports.
Erdoğan made the remarks upon returning from Turkmenistan, where the meeting with Vladimir Putin took place on Friday. The Turkish President stated that the talks focused on detailed, verifiable efforts towards a ceasefire aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Turkey, he reiterated, remains ready to support any credible diplomatic mediation initiative.
"Following this meeting with Putin, we hope to have the opportunity to discuss the peace plan with US President Donald Trump as well. Peace is not far; we see this clearly," Erdoğan told reporters aboard the presidential plane.
The Turkish leader specified that he proposed a limited armistice to Putin. This proposal specifically targets critical energy infrastructure and Black Sea ports, underscoring the vital role of Black Sea security for international trade and regional stability.
"The Black Sea must not be viewed as a battlefield. Such a situation would only harm both Russia and Ukraine. Safe navigation in the Black Sea is essential for all, and this must be guaranteed," Erdoğan said.
These affirmations come amid intensifying tensions. On Friday, Russia attacked two Ukrainian ports, damaging three vessels owned by Turkish companies—one of which was carrying food—according to Ukrainian authorities and a shipowner. The attack came days after Moscow threatened to block Ukraine's access to the sea.
Separately, the Kremlin announced that the meeting with Putin and Erdoğan began in an extended format with delegations from both states. The official statement noted that Turkey-Russia relations continue to expand across all sectors, particularly trade and energy, enabling both nations to better address the impact of Western sanctions.
Major joint projects were also on the agenda, notably the continuation of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant—a multi-billion dollar project Turkey is building with Russia—alongside a broad exchange of views on the Ukrainian dossier, regional affairs, and the international situation.
The Kremlin further stated that Putin and Erdoğan discussed attempts by some European states to seize Russian assets. Putin reiterated Moscow's position that such measures would undermine the global financial system.
Negotiations later continued in a restricted format. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif joined the meeting at the end.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
