Türkiye proposes Black Sea de-escalation plan to Ukraine and Russia

Turkish diplomat says reaching a lasting solution to the situation is extremely difficult at this point.

Fidan noted that Kyiv and Moscow face a choice between continuing a war whose devastating consequences they know and seeking a compromise.

"We have sent a proposal to both sides and are waiting for a response. We see that if grain harvested from the fields does not reach global markets, many countries will face food security problems," the Turkish foreign minister said.

However, Fidan declined to disclose any details of the proposed measures.

In the same vein, the Turkish diplomat recalled the grain deal Türkiye and the United Nations brokered in 2022. The agreement was intended to unblock Ukraine's Black Sea ports and create conditions for the safe export of grain.

"Several years ago, we reached an agreement that was later violated, but despite that, there was a functioning system in practice—the sides did not interfere with each other. Now, however, they are actively interfering in each other's affairs," Fidan said.

He also added that Ankara is now determined to bring this matter to its logical conclusion.

Black Sea situation

Russian attacks on civilian shipping and port infrastructure initially led to a significant reduction in operations at the ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi.

The Ukrainian Ports Association warns that further disruption of the maritime corridor could negatively affect not only Ukraine's economy but also the global market.

RBC-Ukraine recently explained why the ports had stopped operating and what the consequences would be for the country.

Amid the latest developments, the European Union called for a moratorium on military action in the Black Sea.

Brussels believes this would help ensure the safe export of Ukrainian grain.