Ukraine Proposed Black Sea Ceasefire, Russia Refused
Russia rejected a temporary ceasefire in the Black Sea proposed by Ukraine, stating there is "no basis" for such a move. The decision follows a recent escalation in the region, during which at least 50 cargo ships have been attacked over the past two months.
Russia rejected on Friday a temporary ceasefire in the Black Sea proposed by Ukraine. Moscow stated that there is "no basis" for granting Kiev a truce, emphasizing that such initiatives are unfounded following a recent escalation in which at least 50 cargo ships have been attacked in the region over the last two months.
The Russian position was clarified after Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko announced that his country had not received an official proposal on the matter, despite what he described as numerous calls for ceasefires through various channels. A source from Kiev revealed to European media that Ukraine had conveyed to the Russian side, through a third party, a demand to stop bombing and striking civilian targets at sea.
The proposal came against the backdrop of a significant escalation in attacks on vessels and coastal facilities. This surge in hostilities has raised concerns that the war's consequences could again spread to global food markets, especially considering that Russia and Ukraine are major exporters of grain and agricultural products such as wheat.
Ports in the Odessa region of southern Ukraine were attacked by Russia in late July, and according to Ukrainian reports, damage was caused to dozens of ships. This led some ship owners to suspend operations and forced Ukraine to rely more heavily on alternative export routes. In response, Ukraine attacked Russian facilities in the Black Sea, forcing Russia to suspend operations at three terminals in a port on its territory.
Back in 2022, shortly after the outbreak of the war, both countries signed a similar ceasefire agreement for the Black Sea, mediated by the United Nations and Turkey. That agreement remained in effect until July 2023, when Russia refused to extend it. Following its collapse, Ukraine established an alternative maritime route that allowed exports to continue moving through the Black Sea, which remained active until the start of the latest escalation.
