**Turkey Hosts Black Sea Security Meeting Amid Ongoing Conflict**
Turkey has announced plans to host a high-level security meeting with representatives from Russia and Ukraine in Ankara on April 15-16. The meeting, which will be held at the Turkish Navy Command headquarters, is aimed at discussing ways to maintain peace and stability in the Black Sea region following a potential ceasefire.
The meeting comes just weeks after the US announced an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to “eliminate the use of force” in the Black Sea. However, despite this agreement, fighting continues in the region, with Ukrainian cities and civilians still being targeted by Russian forces.
Turkey has positioned itself as a mediator in the conflict, maintaining diplomatic and economic ties with both nations. The country has facilitated negotiations and grain exports, while also expressing willingness to participate in ceasefire monitoring. Turkey’s role in brokering the Black Sea grain deal, which enabled Ukraine to continue exporting agricultural products, is seen as an important step towards resolving the conflict.
Despite this progress, tensions remain high, with Ukrainian officials accusing Russia of violating a partial truce on multiple occasions. President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the Kremlin will not accept an unconditional ceasefire because Russia wants to keep launching missile strikes from the Black Sea.
The meeting is expected to be attended by military representatives from other countries, although specific participants have not been disclosed yet. Turkey’s defense ministry has stated that the meeting will focus on upholding peace in the Black Sea after a potential ceasefire.
**Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis**
Meanwhile, fighting continues in Ukraine, with reports of Russian missile strikes killing civilians and causing widespread destruction. On April 13, at least 34 people were killed in a Russian missile strike on the city of Sumy in northeastern Ukraine.
The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine continues to worsen, with many residents without access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. The use of cluster munitions has increased the devastation and harm to civilians, according to outgoing US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink.
**Global Response**
The international community is continuing to respond to the conflict, with the US extending its deepest condolences to the victims of the Russian missile attack on Sumy. However, despite these statements, there has been no condemnation of Russia’s actions or calls for increased sanctions on Moscow.
The UK and Germany have also spoken out against the ongoing conflict, with Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calling for a “full and transparent investigation” into the use of cluster munitions. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said that Ukraine is a “European country at war,” highlighting the need for international support.
**Sanctions and Diplomatic Efforts**
The US has extended its national emergency and associated sanctions against Russia for another year, while President Volodymyr Zelensky has imposed sanctions on four politicians and prominent business figures in Ukraine. Iran and the US have also held indirect talks in Oman, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
Meanwhile, Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine are acting as mercenaries and do not appear to have direct ties to Beijing, according to two US officials cited by Reuters. However, a former intelligence official told Reuters that Chinese military officers were present behind Russian lines with Beijing’s approval, highlighting the complex nature of international involvement in the conflict.
The Black Sea security meeting hosted by Turkey is seen as an important step towards resolving the conflict and maintaining peace in the region.