Turkiye working with Ukraine and Russia on partial Black Sea ceasefire – envoy

Turkish officials are collaborating with Ukraine and Russia in an effort to establish a temporary partial ceasefire in the Black Sea, according to Basat Öztürk, Türkiye's permanent representative to NATO. The diplomat made this statement during a Türkiye-EU summit in Brussels on October 13th. As both sides are increasingly targeting commercial ships carrying civilian cargo, Öztürk emphasized the importance of ceasing such actions.

He further explained that strikes on these ships could disrupt vital supplies of energy, food, and fertilizers.

Öztürk highlighted the success of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a peace agreement brokered by Türkiye that effectively averted a global food crisis. He reiterated that Türkiye, with its extensive coastline and formidable naval capabilities, is constantly monitoring the region, sharing over 70% of the recognized maritime and aerial information, and working closely with Romania and Bulgaria.

On October 7th, Kyiv's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Heorhii Tykhyi, disclosed that Ukraine is open to five different ceasefire proposals being developed jointly with other countries. The initial option is a complete and unconditional ceasefire, which Ukraine agreed to in 2025 during talks in Saudi Arabia. Tykhyi clarified that this agreement remains valid and would be upheld if Russia also agrees.

Two additional options focus on security in the Black Sea, with Türkiye and Egypt collaborating on these proposals alongside Ukrainian diplomacy. These suggestions are deemed mutually beneficial and sensible. The fifth option, which involves finding solutions to food security and energy concerns in the Black Sea, is being addressed by India. Lastly, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent discussions with Donald Trump centered around the possibility of an energy truce.