Kyiv, Sept 24:
Ukraine has offered to support a maritime truce in the Black Sea, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying Kyiv is ready to work on proposals involving Egypt, India and Turkey.
Addressing leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Zelenskyy said it was now for Russia to respond to the proposals. Ukraine has been seeking arrangements to protect shipping and critical infrastructure as its war with Russia enters its fifth year.
The maritime issue has particular significance because the Black Sea remains important for the movement of commercial goods and Ukrainian exports. Kyiv has also been pushing for ceasefire arrangements covering attacks on energy infrastructure and shipping ahead of the winter season.
Zelenskyy’s comments came amid continuing military activity. Russian forces launched a ballistic missile attack on Kyiv early Thursday, killing two people and injuring six, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Debris from the attack fell in several parts of the capital and emergency crews were deployed.
The simultaneous diplomatic and military developments underline the difficult environment surrounding efforts to reduce the intensity of the conflict. Any maritime arrangement would require agreement and implementation by the parties involved.