India, Egypt, Turkey propose Black Sea maritime truce; Zelenskyy awaits Russia's response

India, Egypt, and Turkey have proposed options for a maritime truce to restore safe commercial shipping in the Black Sea, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stating Ukraine is ready to support such a deal if Russia responds positively. Zelenskyy made the remarks at the UN on Wednesday, saying Ukraine awaits Russia's response and is prepared to ensure safe shipping and food security if Moscow takes real de-escalation steps. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has been engaging with both Kyiv and Moscow, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict. Disruptions to Black Sea shipping have impacted global grain supplies, raising wheat prices and affecting importers in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said both Russia and Ukraine expressed interest in a limited ceasefire on grain and energy, though the Kremlin has not publicly backed the proposals.