Turkey Proposes Grain Plan as Black Sea Drone Attacks Intensify

Commercial tankers and cargo ships transiting the Bosphorus strait have begun installing makeshift defenses, such as nets, water tanks, and tires, to protect engine rooms and superstructures from intensifying drone strikes. Security experts warn these countermeasures are ineffective against larger military-grade craft. The instability was highlighted by the burned-out Russian ship Omskiy-107 drifting onto a beach in Istanbul.

President Tayyip Erdogan warned that recent attacks have renewed global grain shortages, particularly in Africa. Following drone strikes on two vessels near Tuapse, the Turkish government summoned the Ukrainian ambassador and proposed a diplomatic plan to restore safe grain passage through the Black Sea.

While Turkey seeks a resolution, the Federal Government of Russia has rejected the resumption of the Black Sea grain deal, stating there are no grounds for its return. Meanwhile, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has increased attacks on ships and infrastructure used for Russian exports, while Vladimir Putin claimed Russia is winning the war despite fuel shortages caused by Ukrainian drone strikes.