Ukraine proposes Black Sea ceasefire on civilian targets amid food export concerns

Ukraine has submitted a proposal to Russia suggesting a mutual halt to attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea, a source close to the situation told Reuters. This initiative arises amid a recent escalation of attacks targeting ships and ports, which has heightened global concerns regarding food supply stability.

The proposal for a ceasefire on attacks was conveyed to Russia via a third party, and Ukraine was awaiting a response as of Thursday evening, the source indicated. Both Ukraine and Russia are significant contributors to the global agricultural market, and each has accused the other of launching strikes against export vessels.

In late July, numerous shipping companies ceased docking at ports in Ukraine's southern Odesa region due to Russian attacks on dozens of vessels, compelling Kyiv to seek alternative export routes. Concurrently, Russia was forced to suspend operations at all three of its terminals in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk following a Ukrainian strike, further impacting its grain export capacity.

The current de facto blockade of Black Sea ports has drastically reduced Ukraine's grain exports, with shipments falling by 76% year-on-year since August. The agricultural sector has warned that a prolonged blockade could lead to severe consequences for Ukraine's economy, according to Reuters.