Ukraine refused to sign an agreement previously agreed with Russia and Turkey aimed at ensuring the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. This information was confirmed by several anonymous sources and reflected in a report by Reuters. Negotiations, mediated by Türkiye with the active support of the United Nations, lasted for two months.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan planned to officially announce the agreement on March 30, the day before regional elections in Turkey, but Ukraine at the last moment refused to sign the document without explaining the reasons. According to the agreements, the parties agreed not to attack, seize or search merchant ships in the Black Sea, thereby ensuring safe and free navigation.

The reasons for refusing to sign the agreement remain unknown.