Turkey reports conflicting Russian and Ukrainian responses to Black Sea shipping proposal

Stalled diplomatic negotiations

Diplomatic efforts led by Turkey to halt military strikes on civilian and commercial vessels in the Black Sea have encountered friction. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced during a televised interview on NTV that Ankara had submitted formal draft proposals to both Moscow and Kyiv. Both governments returned written replies, yet their respective demands remain divergent. Fidan noted that reconciling the competing security and operational terms presented by the two sides remains a complex challenge.

“We sent a proposal to both sides on this issue. We have already received replies from both sides. We see that both sides have demands and positions that are difficult to reconcile.”

The Turkish diplomatic initiative aims to establish a framework that shields non-military maritime traffic from recurrent attacks. A Turkish diplomatic source stated that the draft agreement had been transmitted to Russian and Ukrainian officials on 17 September 2026, setting out terms to prevent strikes on merchant vessels.

The global priority of grain corridors

Ankara continues to focus its diplomatic mediation on securing grain exports originating from both Russia and Ukraine. Turkish officials emphasized that global agricultural supply chains rely heavily on commercial freight moving through the Black Sea basin. Fidan pointed out that disruptions to these routes carry direct economic and humanitarian implications for nations dependent on food imports.

“Our main priority is grain transport in the Black Sea. Countries around the world need them. Grains are a product that both countries sell, but there are difficulties to overcome.”

The maritime corridor is currently crowded with military assets, combat drones, naval mines, and fighter aircraft. These overlapping operations have complicated routine commercial navigation, placing merchant crews and vessels in direct proximity to active combat areas.

Escalating strikes and fleet damage

Commercial operators have faced mounting hazards across the Black Sea. According to data from the Turkish Chamber of Shipping (IMEAK), approximately 25 vessels owned by Turkish maritime companies have been targeted in attacks since the start of the full-scale conflict in 2022, with multiple incidents occurring during the summer. Several of these vessels operated under foreign flags when struck.

The attacks have involved aerial and naval drones. Drone operations attributed to Ukraine have targeted ships to disrupt Russian grain and hydrocarbon supply routes, while naval mine risks remain widespread. In late August, the Turkish government summoned the Ukrainian ambassador to Ankara after a strike hit a Turkish vessel, followed by a second strike on a tugboat dispatched to tow the damaged craft.

Conflicting stances on monitoring and enforcement

Establishing a verifiable mechanism to enforce safe passage remains the central obstacle between the parties. In early August, Ankara requested that both belligerents agree to a formal moratorium on commercial shipping strikes. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rejected the practicality of that approach, stating that implementing and verifying such a measure would be impossible to monitor.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has maintained operational pressure on maritime logistical nodes and export vessels supporting the Russian economy. The sustained escalation has prompted the London maritime insurance market to widen its designated high-risk zone to encompass the entire Black Sea. Despite the stalled responses, Turkish diplomats plan to continue negotiations with both governments to seek workable corridors.