U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Saturday that there is a rising international interest in facilitating a limited ceasefire in the Black Sea. This ceasefire aims to allow the unhindered transport of energy and grains by both Russia and Ukraine, as reported by Reuters.
During a press conference, Rubio noted that the United States is reviewing proposals brought forth by Turkey and India to resume grain shipments. Although Turkey maintains relations with both Russia and Ukraine, it has grown increasingly dissatisfied with attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea.
“This situation threatens global food security and, to some extent, energy security. We aim to reach an agreement. While it won’t end the war, it will at least address a specific issue within it,” Rubio stated.
Erdogan Condemns Attacks from Both Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who met with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, condemned the attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea as unacceptable and urged both Russia and Ukraine to “act responsibly.”
“We cannot accept these attacks under any circumstances, regardless of who commits them or what justifications are offered. We call on all parties to act responsibly in this matter,” the Turkish leader emphasized.
Turkey has sent proposals to both Russia and Ukraine aimed at halting attacks on civilian vessels, yet claims that neither country has responded to the initiative.
Zelensky accused Russia of destabilizing the situation in the Black Sea and noted that a significant portion of discussions with Erdogan centered around regional security concerns.
Erdogan stated that discussions regarding restoring navigational safety in the Black Sea will continue, adding, “I believe that reaching an agreement in this regard would provide a new impetus to efforts for achieving lasting peace in Ukraine.”
