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Zelenskyy links Black Sea navigation to Russia de-escalation

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 2:36 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine will secure Black Sea navigation and food security if Russia de-escalates.
He made the statement at sixth International Crimea Platform summit on September 23.
Zelenskyy urged Russia to guarantee food and energy security for people in occupied Crimea.
He said normality requires restoring security, releasing Russian-held prisoners, and upholding international law.
Zelenskyy recalled proposing to U.S. President Donald Trump that Chinese leader Xi Jinping join peace process.

History

Historical Context

During February-March 2014 Russia seized Crimea, held a disputed referendum and annexed the peninsula, triggering a UN General Assembly resolution and Western sanctions. The move cut Ukraine’s grain exports by about 15 % (?3.5 million tonnes) and halved tourism in 2015. At the sixth International Crimea Platform, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Russia to restore Black Sea navigation, tying the 2022 grain-deal hopes to the unresolved 2014 dispute.

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Story summary

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine will secure Black Sea navigation and food security if Russia de-escalates.
He made the statement at sixth International Crimea Platform summit on September 23.
Zelenskyy urged Russia to guarantee food and energy security for people in occupied Crimea.
He said normality requires restoring security, releasing Russian-held prisoners, and upholding international law.
Zelenskyy recalled proposing to U.S. President Donald Trump that Chinese leader Xi Jinping join peace process.

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