Zelensky: Black Sea doesn’t belong to Russia

The Black Sea does not belong to Russia because other countries, including Ukraine, Türkiye, Romania, and Bulgaria are also out there.

President Volodymyr Zelensky noted this, speaking at the 14th annual Aspen Security Forum via video conference on Friday, Ukrinform reports.

"We do look for ways (to unblock the Black Sea Grain Initiative – ed.). We spoke to UN Secretary General António Guterres, I spoke with him personally. I spoke with President Erdogan to discuss the crisis. We do see ways of getting out of this. If we succeed, if Erdogan succeeds, if the UN becomes even stronger – I think we will all see success," Zelensky said.

He emphasized that the Black Sea does not belong to the Russian Federation: "There is Ukraine, there is Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria. We speak with all the countries of the Black Sea region. We have substantive pragmatic human relations and, what is very important, legal relations with everyone but Russia. Russia believes that the Black Sea is purely Russian."

At the same time, the president noted that both society and the army in Russia lack motivation and unity, since the Russian Federation can deliver neither combat victories nor economic achievements.

The Ukrainian leader also urged the world not to lose unity, which is something that is a must for winners in today’s realities.

As reported, on July 22, 2022 in Istanbul, Ukraine, as well as Russia, Türkiye, and the UN, signed agreements on the unblocking of Ukrainian ports and the revival of export of Ukrainian grain. Three Ukrainian ports – Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi – were unblocked for the passage of civilian vessels. Under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, not only grain, but also mineral fertilizers were exported by sea.

For overall supervision and coordination, a Joint Coordination Center (JCC) was established in Istanbul under the UN auspices.

On July 17, Russia said it was suspending participation in the agreement with Türkiye and the UN regarding the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

Photo: Ukrainian President’s Office