Key facts
- Ukraine is ready for a maritime truce in the Black Sea, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.
- Zelenskiy stated that proposals from Egypt, India, and Turkey could restore safe navigation.
- Ukraine is waiting for Russia's response to de-escalation steps.
- Global wheat prices have soared due to disruptions in Black Sea cargo movements.
- The Kremlin has not publicly backed the proposals for a maritime truce.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were no prerequisites for moving on to a peaceful negotiating track, but Russia remains open to peace talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Wednesday that Ukraine is prepared to establish a maritime truce in the Black Sea, provided Russia reciprocates with de-escalation efforts. Speaking at the UN General Assembly's Crimean Platform summit, Zelenskiy indicated that proposals from Egypt, India, and Turkey could help restore safe navigation for merchant shipping.
Cargo movements in the Black Sea have been severely impacted, with attacks on ships and port infrastructure by both sides leading to a near standstill. This has caused global wheat prices to soar, affecting top importers in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine is ready to ensure safe shipping and food security if Russia takes concrete steps towards de-escalation.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported that both Russia and Ukraine had expressed interest in a limited ceasefire focused on grain and energy targets following his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. However, the Kremlin has not publicly endorsed the proposals. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that while Russia remains open to peace talks, there are currently no prerequisites for advancing to a negotiation track.