Russia: Communications with Turkey on security issues in the Black Sea continue - Sarmad

Russia confirmed on Friday that its communications with Turkey regarding security issues in the Black Sea are ongoing, while declining to comment on reports that Ankara had submitted a draft agreement to both Ukraine and Russia to halt attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea.

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated in a press briefing that Russian-Turkish communications continue on matters related to Black Sea security, without providing further details on the nature of the talks or their outcomes.

In response to a question about media reports that Ankara had sent Moscow and Kyiv a draft memorandum of understanding on ensuring the safety of navigation in the Black Sea, Grushko said the Russian side does not comment on such reports.

This comes amid growing concerns over the safety of commercial navigation in the Black Sea, as the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war persist and civilian vessels and maritime transport-related facilities face attacks and security incidents.