“We do not want the war to be carried into the Black Sea,” he said. “The targeting of ports, tankers and fishing boats in Black Sea and putting civilians’ lives at risk cannot be justified.”

Speaking about the importance of navigation in the Black Sea, Fidan said: “Freedom of navigation and commercial security in the Black Sea are of vital importance. I discussed this with the Russian side during my visit to Moscow and also with my esteemed counterpart here. I will raise the issue again in the meetings I will hold throughout the day today. This is an important issue for us and for all Black Sea countries.”

Fidan recalled that the UN had proposed that, while the war continues elsewhere, the parties remain committed to guarantees on energy security and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea to safeguard global grain security.

Fidan stressed that Türkiye’s primary objective is to end the war, adding: "If that is not possible, then in several critical areas important for Ukraine, Russia and all countries, a war moratorium could be declared and those targets could be spared.”

“What are they? Black Sea security and energy security. Our alternative proposals on these issues remain on the table for the parties’ consideration. The Ukrainian side shares a serious common understanding with us on this matter,” he said.