Russia rejects Black Sea ceasefire idea, citing no improvement in situation

Russia has dismissed proposals for a Black Sea ceasefire with Ukraine, asserting that it sees no justification for "half-measures" that would merely provide a temporary reprieve for Kyiv. The stance was articulated by Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia's Foreign Ministry.

In recent weeks, both Russia and Ukraine have escalated attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Black Sea. This surge in hostilities has contributed to a global increase in grain prices. Zakharova accused Kyiv of engaging in "shameless acts of terrorism" against shipping, while notably omitting any mention of Russian attacks.

"We consider these attacks (by Ukraine) as a deliberate policy aimed at destabilizing civil shipping in the Black Sea region to further escalate tensions and prolong the conflict, all with the blatant consent of regional neighbors," Zakharova stated. She added, "At the same time, we see no signs of improvement in the situation and, consequently, no reason for half-measures that would only give a breather to the regime in Kyiv."

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We consider these attacks (by Ukraine) as a deliberate policy aimed at destabilizing civil shipping in the Black Sea region to further escalate tensions and prolong the conflict, all with the blatant consent of regional neighbors.

Zakharova's remarks were made in response to a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who indicated that Ankara had presented proposals to both Russia and Ukraine for a moratorium on military operations in the Black Sea. British news agency Reuters reported that Ukraine had conveyed an offer to Russia, via a third country, suggesting an end to attacks on civilian targets in the region.

Zakharova also deemed a return to the 2022-2023 grain initiative, mediated by Turkey, unfeasible. That agreement had allowed Kyiv and Moscow to continue grain exports to the global market but collapsed after Russia accused Ukraine and the West of failing to uphold their end of the bargain.

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At the same time, we see no signs of improvement in the situation and, consequently, no reason for half-measures that would only give a breather to the regime in Kyiv.