Turkey sends Russia and Ukraine proposals to de-escalate Black Sea tensions

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has announced that Ankara has sent proposals to both Russia and Ukraine aimed at de-escalating the situation in the Black Sea, according to Apollo.lv.

Turkey's mediating role

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Turkey has repeatedly sought to act as a mediator between Moscow and Kyiv, including on issues of maritime security in the Black Sea, one of the region's most sensitive flashpoints. Fidan's statement suggests Ankara is continuing these efforts, seeking to reduce tensions in waters that are crucial both for Ukraine's grain exports and for the military activities of both countries.

Content of the proposals unclear

No details have yet been made public regarding what specific measures or conditions are included in Turkey's proposals. It is also not known whether or how Russia and Ukraine have responded to them.

Turkey is a NATO member state, but it also maintains diplomatic and economic relations with Russia, a position that has allowed it to act as one of the few mediators both warring parties remain willing to engage with. Black Sea security has previously been a central topic in talks involving Turkey, including discussions on shipping corridors and port safety.

No timeline has been given for further negotiations, nor is it clear when an official response from Russia or Ukraine to Ankara's proposals might be expected.