Zelensky says Ukraine ready for Black Sea ceasefire, awaits Russia's response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told leaders at the United Nations on Wednesday that his country is ready for a maritime ceasefire and is awaiting Russia's response, according to Reuters. The proposed truce is based on options formulated by Egypt, India, and Turkey. Zelensky made the announcement at the Crimea International Platform Summit, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, ahead of a Security Council session on Ukraine. Romania's President Nicușor Dan also participated, condemning Russia's war against Ukraine. Ukraine, fearing Russian missile and drone attacks on energy and heating systems this winter, is pushing for agreements to halt strikes on energy infrastructure and Black Sea shipping. Zelensky stated that Egypt, India, and Turkey presented options for restoring safe navigation for commercial vessels in the Black Sea, where cargo shipments are nearly blocked due to intense attacks on ships and port infrastructure. "We await Russia's response. Ukraine is ready to ensure safe maritime transport and food security in the Black Sea if Russia is ready to take concrete steps toward de-escalation. We have to start somewhere," he said. Major wheat importers in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa face supply difficulties, and global wheat prices have risen. The US says both Ukraine and Russia are interested in a limited ceasefire. Zelensky met with President Donald Trump on Tuesday, discussing a potential halt to strikes on energy targets. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters after meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that both sides expressed interest in a limited ceasefire covering grain and energy. The Kremlin has not publicly endorsed the proposals, with spokesman Dmitri Peskov saying no conditions exist for broader peace talks, though Russia remains open to them. Zelensky reiterated Tuesday he would meet Vladimir Putin in a trilateral summit with Trump.