FALCONPOWERS – Four informed sources have informed Reuters that Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in negotiations with Turkey for two months regarding an agreement to ensure the safety of shipping in the Black Sea. They reached an agreement on a text that was supposed to be announced by Ankara, but Kyiv suddenly withdrew.
The sources, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of such discussions, stated that Turkey mediated the negotiations following calls from the United Nations.
An agreement was reached in March “to ensure the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea.” Although Ukraine did not want to officially sign it, Kyiv gave its consent to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to announce it on March 30, a day before crucial municipal elections, according to the sources. However, “at the last minute, Ukraine suddenly withdrew, and the agreement was canceled,” said one source.
The other three sources confirmed this account. Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey have refrained from commenting.
The reason for Ukraine’s withdrawal has not yet been clarified. The individuals who spoke to Reuters stated that they do not know the reason that prompted Kyiv to make this decision.
