Marco Rubio announces growing interest in a ceasefire in the Black Sea / The U.S. is examining proposals from Turkey and India

Navigation security in the Black Sea and the resumption of grain shipments returned to the center of diplomatic discussions on Saturday, amid attacks on commercial vessels. The United States is examining proposals put forward by Turkey and India to unblock exports, while Ankara is urging Russia and Ukraine to act responsibly and avoid a new escalation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at a press conference held on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Atlanta that resolving the issue could help protect global food and energy security. Rubio stressed, however, that resuming shipments would not end the war, but would address a specific aspect of the conflict.

That same day, in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea, regardless of their perpetrators or justifications. He called on all parties to act responsibly.

After meeting with Erdogan, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the two countries would work together to restore the grain corridor. The initiative refers to the agreement concluded in 2022, which enabled the safe export of Ukrainian agricultural products. Zelensky said Turkey supports measures to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea.