Ukraine awaits Russia’s response to proposal for reciprocal Black Sea reopening

Ukraine has received proposals from Egypt, India and Turkey regarding the possible reopening of the Black Sea and has proposed establishing a reciprocal ceasefire to ensure the unimpeded transportation of goods, including agricultural products. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told journalists in the WhatsApp messenger.

According to him, representatives of these countries and Middle Eastern states have held talks with Ukraine on the possible reopening of the Black Sea. Zelenskyy said he personally held separate discussions with the leaders of some of these countries, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was in contact with their counterparts.

“This is a request from these countries to us and, honestly, it is also our request to reopen the Black Sea,” Zelenskyy said. According to him, Ukraine received a positive response to its proposal, while some countries submitted written proposals on a possible format for the agreements.

At the same time, as Zelenskyy noted, Ukraine is now awaiting information through mediators on Russia’s position regarding such agreements.

Maritime security is important for both countries, as disruptions to sea transportation are creating problems for their exports, including agricultural exports. Amid attacks on civilian shipping, Ukraine is already redirecting part of its cargo to the Danube ports, while Russian exporters are also seeking alternative routes for grain shipments, primarily via the Baltic and Caspian seas. However, these routes cannot fully replace Black Sea exports, increasing the economic losses caused by disruptions to maritime shipping.

Tags: Russia, Black Sea region, restrictions, war, Black Sea grain corridor, Ukraine