Turkey submits Black Sea navigation proposals to Russia, no talks underway

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Turkey has submitted proposals to Moscow regarding the security of navigation in the Black Sea, while noting that no substantive negotiations are currently underway on the issue. His remarks were reported by Russia's Interfax news agency.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said today that India, Turkey, Egypt, and several Middle Eastern countries are participating in talks to reopen a grain corridor in the Black Sea, as both Russia and Ukraine have intensified attacks on shipping in the region.

In a related development, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said earlier that Turkey had offered a proposal to both Ukraine and Russia to end fighting between them in the Black Sea. He noted that Ankara is awaiting their responses, and that the priority is to ensure the export of grain from the area.

Fidan explained in a television interview that there are also initiatives aimed at ending the war entirely, but added that achieving a lasting solution to the conflict appears difficult at this stage.

The Turkish initiative comes as both Russia and Ukraine have stepped up attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea over the past two months, prompting the London marine insurance market to expand the area it classifies as high risk.