Russia has rejected a proposal involving India, Turkey and Egypt to establish safe passage for ships carrying Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. The initiative aims to restore commercial maritime traffic and revive agricultural exports disrupted by attacks on ports and merchant vessels. <escape></escape>
According to Zelenskyy, the three countries proposed allowing vessels sailing under their respective flags to call at both Ukrainian and Russian ports to transport food commodities. The arrangement would require both sides to agree not to attack the participating vessels, creating a framework for safer commercial navigation amid the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine’s Black Sea ports are vital to its agricultural export industry, with the country relying heavily on maritime transport to ship grain to international markets. Zelenskyy said rail transport alone cannot handle the volumes that would normally move through these ports.
The proposed corridor comes amid disruptions to port infrastructure and commercial shipping following Russian attacks. The suspension of maritime shipments has placed additional pressure on Ukraine’s agricultural supply chains and export revenues.
India’s participation in the discussions highlights its potential role in diplomatic efforts to restore shipping safety and protect international food supply chains. Turkey and Egypt are also involved in efforts to facilitate negotiations between the parties.
However, the proposal has yet to secure Russia’s agreement. Zelenskyy said Moscow continued to oppose the arrangement despite repeated approaches by intermediaries from the three countries.
The outcome of the discussions could have wider implications for global grain markets, maritime security and shipping operations in the Black Sea. A successful agreement would help restore export capacity and improve the movement of agricultural commodities, although the prospects for implementation remain uncertain while hostilities continue.