New York: Ukraine has signalled that it is prepared to support a maritime truce in the Black Sea, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calling for renewed efforts to protect commercial shipping and maintain vital food-export routes.

Speaking during events surrounding the United Nations General Assembly, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready to work on arrangements aimed at restoring safer navigation in the Black Sea. He said proposals involving India, Egypt and Türkiye were being considered as possible frameworks for improving maritime security.

The proposed arrangement comes as attacks involving shipping and port infrastructure have increased concerns over the safety of commercial vessels operating in the region. The Black Sea remains an important route for agricultural commodities, particularly grain exported from Ukraine.

Zelenskyy’s position is that any maritime arrangement would require reciprocal steps from Russia. Kyiv has indicated that it is prepared to participate in efforts to protect shipping and food supplies if Moscow also takes concrete measures to reduce hostilities.

The issue has attracted international attention because disruptions to Black Sea shipping can affect countries far beyond the immediate conflict zone. Nations in Asia, Africa and the Middle East rely on supplies moving through the region, making the security of commercial routes an important food-security issue.

Türkiye has also been involved in diplomatic discussions surrounding Black Sea security. During a meeting in New York, Zelenskyy and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan discussed maritime security, restoration of food exports and possible measures to improve the operation of the maritime export corridor.

Zelenskyy has also said that Ukraine would support Türkiye hosting a leaders-level meeting focused on peace negotiations. The Ukrainian president described Türkiye as an important partner in Black Sea affairs and expressed openness to further diplomatic engagement.

The maritime proposal is emerging alongside separate discussions about a possible limited ceasefire covering energy infrastructure. Ukrainian and US officials have been discussing measures that could reduce attacks on critical energy facilities as winter approaches.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said both Russia and Ukraine have expressed some interest in limited arrangements involving energy and grain-related issues, while acknowledging that reaching an agreement would be difficult.

For commercial operators, the security situation remains a major concern. Continued attacks can increase insurance costs and create uncertainty for ships carrying agricultural and energy-related cargo.

The latest diplomatic initiative does not yet represent an agreed ceasefire. Ukraine is awaiting Russia’s position, while the precise conditions, monitoring arrangements and enforcement mechanisms for any maritime agreement remain unresolved.

The coming discussions are therefore expected to focus on whether the proposed measures can translate into practical guarantees for commercial vessels and whether both sides are prepared to make reciprocal commitments.

For now, Ukraine’s announcement establishes its willingness to participate in a maritime truce, while the next steps will depend on negotiations involving Russia and the countries seeking to facilitate safer Black Sea navigation.