Ukraine has proposed a mutual ceasefire in the Black Sea to ensure the safe transport of goods, particularly agricultural produce. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told journalists as much. Kyiv has conveyed its position to partners who are in contact with Russia and is awaiting the outcome of these talks. No agreement has been announced regarding the implementation of such a ceasefire.
Briefly about the main points
- Kyiv is proposing a mutual ceasefire in the Black Sea.
- The aim is to transport goods and agricultural produce safely.
- The partners are conveying Ukraine’s position to the Russian side.
- Egypt, India and Turkey have submitted written proposals.
- Zelensky discussed the operation of the corridor with Erdogan.
What format is Kyiv proposing?
According to Zelensky, the Ukrainian model provides for reciprocal actions by the parties in the maritime zone. It is intended to create the conditions for the delivery of goods to countries that rely on maritime imports.
The President emphasised that Ukraine’s agreement to this approach does not signify the start of a ceasefire. Further progress depends on Russia’s response and practical steps; the parties have not announced a start date or the final parameters of a possible ceasefire regime.
The partners presented their own proposals
Egypt, India and Turkey have put forward their own proposals for breaking the deadlock shipping, the president said at the Crimean Platform summit in New York. These proposals have been set out in writing.
Zelenskyy held talks with the leaders of various countries, whilst the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held talks with the diplomatic services of partner nations. Ukraine is ready to help ensure safe navigation and food security, provided Russia takes concrete steps towards de-escalation.
The format under discussion may be more limited in scope than a general ceasefire, as it relates to maritime transport and food supplies. No specific mechanisms for monitoring a possible ceasefire have been set out.
Zelenskyy and Erdoğan discussed the export corridor
Security in the Black Sea was one of the topics discussed at the meeting between Zelenskyy and the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan in New York. The leaders discussed the operation of the maritime export corridor, and the Ukrainian president emphasised the dependence of countries on different continents on Ukrainian food supplies.
Erdogan described the attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea as unjustified and called for the safety of navigation to be guaranteed. Ankara also expressed its willingness to help bring the war to an end and resume direct talks.
Zelenskyy told Erdoğan that Ukraine was prepared to halt its long-range retaliatory strikes in kind if Russia ceased its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. He also informed the Turkish president of his contacts with the US team.
