A deal on the freedom of navigation of ships and ports in the Black Sea, which would ensure the safety of civilian vessels as well as port infrastructures, "will make a significant contribution to the global food supply chain and security," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations.

On Tuesday, the United States and Russia announced separate agreements to pause their attacks in the Black Sea as well as against each other's targets for energy. However, the rhetoric coming from Moscow and Kyiv indicated that they were still far apart.

Dujarric noted that the United Nations had been persistent in addressing the issue. This is especially true since Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a letter to the leaders in Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey last February, asking them to "present a proposal to ensure safe and free navigation on the Black Sea." (Reporting and editing by Katharine Jack; Michelle Nichols)

(source: Reuters)