Key facts
- Ukraine seeks Turkey's help to restore safe Black Sea shipping.
- Russian attacks threaten $10 billion in Ukrainian agricultural exports.
- Alternative export routes cannot fully replace maritime shipments.
- Turkey is ready to find practical solutions and discuss the issue with international partners.
Ukraine has requested Turkey's assistance in restoring safe and stable Black Sea shipping, warning that Russian attacks on commercial vessels and port operations jeopardize approximately $10 billion worth of agricultural exports. Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskyi informed Turkish Ambassador to Ukraine Fatma Ceren Yazgan that alternative routes via the Danube, railways, and roads cannot fully replace maritime shipments. Vysotskyi cautioned that a lack of stable shipping would lead to declining production and reduced resources for farmers ahead of the spring sowing season. Yazgan indicated Turkey's willingness to find practical solutions and engage international partners. Separately, Turkey is discussing a temporary, partial ceasefire with Ukraine and Russia to protect merchant vessels, drawing on its experience with the Black Sea Grain Initiative.