Turkey Discusses Maritime Corridor with Ukraine Amid Black Sea Attacks

President Zelenskyy met with President Erdoğan to discuss security in the Black Sea and the operation of the maritime export corridor. Zelenskyy stated that the full restoration of exports depends on Russia ceasing strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure. The talks also covered the potential for a Drone Deal and thanked Turkey for its consistent support of Ukraine's sovereignty. Separately, reports detailed continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, including a successful drone strike on Kyiv resulting in two deaths and 23 injuries. In Odesa, a captain of a cargo ship was killed in a Russian attack while sailing in the Black Sea.

The discussions between the leaders focus on how to ensure the functionality of the Black Sea maritime export corridor. The viability of this corridor is crucial for the continued flow of Ukrainian food exports globally. The ongoing attacks introduce significant risk to the operational status of the Black Sea trade routes.