Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, in a telephone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Alexei Reznikov, discussed “ways to ensure the safe exit of merchant ships stuck in Ukrainian ports, which will help restore calm in international markets.”

The two ministers exchanged “views on security and military developments in Ukraine, as well as Ankara’s efforts to organize a new round of talks between Moscow and Kyiv mediated by Turkey.”

Yesterday, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that “Turkey is looking for a form of security guarantees to end the blockade of Ukrainian ports and can become an intermediary in this process.”

On the other hand, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that “if Ankara is ready to help clear the port area of ​​mines for the export of Ukrainian grain, the Russian army and Turkey will be able to agree on the best ways to pass ships and ship grain.”

It is noteworthy that two Turkish transport planes are still at the Ukrainian Boryspil airport, which flew there on February 24 to provide humanitarian assistance and evacuate Turkish citizens.