Vladimir Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, announced at the United Nations summit in New York that Ukraine is prepared to establish a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea based on proposals from Egypt, India, and Turkey. Zelensky emphasized that it is now Russia's turn to respond to this proposal.
Proposals for Maritime Security
Zelensky made these remarks on the sidelines of the annual UN General Assembly meeting and before the Security Council session regarding the war between Russia and Ukraine, which has now entered its fifth year. Ukraine is concerned that Russia intends to make this winter difficult for the people of Ukraine with missile and drone attacks on energy and heating facilities. In this regard, Ukraine is seeking ceasefires that cover attacks on energy and transport infrastructure in the Black Sea.
Wheat Supply Situation and Global Prices
Zelensky stated that Egypt, India, and Turkey have offered options to restore safe navigation for commercial transport in the Black Sea. Currently, cargo movement has almost ceased due to severe attacks on ships and port infrastructure from both sides. This situation has caused major wheat importers in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, who depend on this region, to face serious challenges in meeting their needs, and global wheat prices have risen sharply.
Zelensky also discussed the ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine regarding energy-related goals in a meeting with Donald Trump, the President of the United States. Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, after meeting with Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, announced that both countries have shown willingness for a limited ceasefire regarding wheat and energy.
Kremlin's Position
The Kremlin has not publicly supported these proposals yet. Before the meeting between Lavrov and Rubio, the Kremlin stated that there is no reason for broader peace negotiations with Ukraine, while saying that it remains open to peace talks. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, told reporters: "Currently, there is no background for moving towards a peaceful negotiation path, although we, as the Russian side, remain interested in peace talks."
Zelensky also announced on Tuesday that he is ready to meet in a trilateral session with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, and Trump.
Diesel prices in Europe and the United States have reached their highest levels, while wars in Iran and Ukraine have severely reduced exports from some of the largest producers like Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with few options to prevent further increases.
