Black Sea ceasefire: Türkiye awaits response from Ukraine and Russia to its proposal
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (photo: Getty Images)
Türkiye's peace proposal to Ukraine and Russia regarding shipping in the Black Sea remains on the table. It aims to ensure the safe transportation of grain from the region, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at a press conference with his Hungarian counterpart, Anita Orban, in Ankara, according to Türkiye Today.
Türkiye's peace initiative
Fidan stressed that the intensification of attacks by Russia and Ukraine ahead of winter further threatens maritime safety in the Black Sea.
He also added that world powers must not allow the region to become a new front in the war.
Fidan said that Europe's security cannot be considered separately from Türkiye's security, capabilities, and potential.
"Before permanent approaches are adopted in security policies, discussions must be conducted in a qualified manner. Otherwise, it may be too late," he said.
According to Fidan, Ankara is communicating its assessments and warnings to both Ukraine and Russia.
"The efforts of the two countries to gain military superiority over each other are seriously affecting navigation safety in the Black Sea," Fidan said.
Attacks on Turkish vessels
Fidan added that the following vessels have also been affected:
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Turkish-flagged vessels,
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Turkish-owned vessels,
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Vessels with Turkish crews.
"We are doing everything we can to end this situation," he said.
Fidan stated that the attacks not only cause damage to personnel and vessels but also pose risks to food security, particularly when grain shipments fail to reach international markets.
"We need to prevent this situation," he said.
Türkiye's initiative to end hostilities in the Black Sea was previously supported by the UN, EU, US, Egypt, and India.
Ukraine is ready to work on solutions to achieve peace and is working with its partners on five different ceasefire formats.
In addition, Türkiye and the UN are preparing a new round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on a Black Sea ceasefire to protect grain-carrying vessels.
