Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on Russia and Ukraine to stop attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, describing the strikes as “inexplicable” and urging both sides to act responsibly.

Erdogan raised the issue during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to a statement released Thursday by the Turkish presidency.

The Turkish leader said Ankara remained prepared to support efforts aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war through a lasting peace agreement and reviving direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.

“During the meeting, President Erdogan stated that Turkey was ready to do all it can for the Ukraine-Russia war to end with lasting peace,” the presidency said, adding that Ankara would continue efforts to restart direct talks.

Erdogan also emphasized the need to protect navigation in the Black Sea, saying action was necessary to ensure the safety of commercial shipping.

Turkey, a NATO member that has maintained relations with both Russia and Ukraine since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, has repeatedly urged both sides to avoid attacks that threaten commercial shipping in the region.

Ankara has submitted proposals to both Moscow and Kyiv aimed at stopping attacks on commercial vessels and is awaiting their responses. Some of the strikes have hit Turkish-owned ships and resulted in the deaths of Turkish citizens.

The Black Sea remains a critical shipping corridor for grain, oil and other commodities. Recent attacks have increased risks for commercial vessels, with the London marine insurance market expanding its designated high-risk area to cover the entire Black Sea.

Turkey has stressed that an agreement is needed to protect maritime traffic and allow grain shipments from the region to continue safely.