Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar spoke with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov by phone to emphasize the pivotal role of an emergency ceasefire. The conversation, highlighted in a formal release from the Turkish Ministry of Defense, underscored how a pause in hostilities could save lives, reduce human suffering, and set the stage for renewed diplomatic dialogue aimed at stabilizing the region.
During their exchange, both ministers pointed to the immediate humanitarian benefits a ceasefire would bring. They discussed how stopping fighting would prevent further civilian casualties, protect essential services, and allow aid organizations to reach people in need. The dialogue also touched on the broader objective of restoring security and political stability across areas affected by the conflict, with both sides signaling willingness to cooperate on confidence-building measures that could sustain a peaceful transition.
The report noted that the work of the Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul has played a central role in facilitating grain shipments from Ukrainian ports. About 17 million tons of grain have been moved to countries facing food insecurity, demonstrating how humanitarian logistics can operate despite ongoing tensions. The ministers reaffirmed the importance of keeping the Black Sea Grain Initiative operational, stressing that uninterrupted grain exports are critical to global food security and regional stability. This aspect was presented as a concrete example of cooperative mechanisms that can work even amid conflict, while emphasizing the need for ongoing oversight and transparent reporting on delivery chains and use of resources.
Former Turkish Parliament Speaker Mustafa Şentop offered his perspective, stating that Turkish authorities are committed to resolving the Ukraine conflict through sustained diplomatic efforts. He described the administration’s approach as a sustained push to bring parties to the negotiating table and to uphold international norms while pursuing humanitarian channels that ease civilian hardship and preserve regional stability. His remarks framed Turkey’s role as a constructive mediator aiming to create practical pathways toward de-escalation and a lasting political settlement.
Earlier, A Haber TV reported remarks from the Turkish Ombudsman Şeref Malkoç. The statements highlighted Ankara’s expectation of a humanitarian corridor arrangement between Russia and Ukraine with Turkey serving as a mediator. The emphasis remained on facilitating safe passage for civilians and essential aid, along with dialogue channels designed to prevent miscalculations that could widen the conflict. The coverage reflected Turkey’s diplomatic posture of balancing security concerns with humanitarian obligations, and it reiterated the belief that coordinated efforts can reduce human suffering while pursuing a broader peace process with regional participation and international support.