Erdoğan Advocates for Targeted Ceasefire in Russia-Ukraine Conflict Over Energy and Ports

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has proposed a «limited ceasefire» focused on attacks against ports and energy facilities amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, during face-to-face discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.

At a summit in Turkmenistan, Erdoğan conveyed to Putin that initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict hold significant importance. He suggested that «establishing a limited ceasefire that specifically targets energy infrastructures and ports could be advantageous,» according to a statement released by his office.

This statement from Erdoğan follows a series of assaults on Russia-affiliated tankers in the Black Sea, which included drone strikes attributed to Ukraine.

The incidents have drawn strong condemnation from Ankara, which summoned diplomats from both Russia and Ukraine, cautioning that the attacks represented a «concerning escalation.»

While addressing reporters in Kyiv on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that Turkey is formulating plans for a ceasefire particularly related to energy infrastructure and shipping activities.

«President Erdoğan brought this up with me. I assured him of our support. He expressed a desire to arrange a relevant meeting — first at the team level, then with the leaders. I confirmed our readiness,» he stated.

«Currently, the United States indicates that we are nearing a consensus,» he added.

«From what I comprehend, the Russians have simply communicated that they will not consent to any [temporary] ceasefire unless a full agreement is reached,» he noted, referring to a comprehensive peace settlement.

Turkey, which has sought to preserve its relationships with both Moscow and Kyiv during the conflict, controls the Bosphorus Strait, a crucial route for the transportation of Ukrainian grain and Russian oil to the Mediterranean.

In November, Erdoğan stated that a ceasefire agreement addressing energy and port infrastructure could serve as a foundational step toward negotiations for a broad peace agreement, during a virtual meeting involving Ukraine’s allies.