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Reviving Black Sea Shipping: Putin and Erdogan Discuss Ceasefire and Grain Exports

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has suggested reviving discussions on Black Sea shipping, but he has not yet had the opportunity to review the relevant documents. Turkey and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have been working to facilitate freer merchant shipping in the Black Sea, which has become a naval conflict zone since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

During an interview with Russian state television, Putin mentioned that Erdogan had reiterated proposals to continue discussions on shipping in the Black Sea and other related issues. This conversation took place during a meeting at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia.

Putin admitted, “I haven’t even had time to read the materials… Well, let’s see. We’ve never refused this.”

Turkey and the UN played a crucial role in mediating the Black Sea Grain Initiative, established in July 2022, which allowed for the safe export of nearly 33 million metric tons of Ukrainian grain despite the ongoing war. However, Russia withdrew from this agreement after a year, citing significant obstacles to its own food and fertilizer exports.

Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin at the BRICS summit 2024

Erdogan, speaking to reporters after the summit, noted that Putin is actively seeking a permanent ceasefire. He mentioned discussions about the grain corridor and a potential prisoner swap with Russia. Erdogan expressed a desire to initiate peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia as soon as possible to achieve a favorable outcome.

As Russian forces continue to make steady advances, controlling nearly one-fifth of Ukraine, the disparity in military strength has become evident, prompting Ukraine to seek additional support from Western allies. When asked about the possibility of the conflict becoming a frozen one, similar to the situations in Korea or Cyprus, Putin stated that any resolution must favor Russia and reflect the realities on the battlefield.

Russia currently controls Crimea, approximately 80 % of the Donbas region, and over 70 % of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. Putin emphasized that Russia will not make concessions or engage in trades regarding these territories, stating, “We are ready to make these compromises, we are reasonable. But I don’t want to go into details right now, because there are no substantive negotiations.” He also noted that Ukraine has rejected Russian ceasefire proposals on two occasions.

Октябрь, 26, 2024 32 0
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Author photo - Olga Nesvetailova
Freelancer
A creative freelancer with the ability to study source literature and create relevant material. The sea has always attracted me with its unbridledness, mystery, and a love of creativity helped me express my most interesting thoughts and reflections on paper, therefore, now I am doubly interested in studying the world of shipbuilding and writing useful materials for sailors.
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