Russia rejected the idea of a limited ceasefire with Ukraine in the Black Sea, where hostilities have been escalating for several weeks. Spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova stated that there is no basis for “half-measures” that would only give the opposing side a respite.
Earlier, the news agency Reuters, citing anonymous sources, reported that Ukraine had proposed to Russia a mutual cessation of attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea. According to a source familiar with the situation, the proposal was conveyed through a third country. Currently, Russia is conducting massive attacks on Ukrainian ports, as well as international cargo ships in the Black Sea that transport grain, in the midst of the harvest season. Ukraine, for its part, has intensified attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea in recent weeks. Both sides have recently warned that attacks on grain shipments and port infrastructure could affect global food prices.
Turkey’s call to cease attacks
Turkey has also recently called for an end to mutual attacks. Foreign Minister of Turkey Hakan Fidan stated that initially, the targets of the attacks were ports and military ships, but now commercial vessels are being attacked “indiscriminately.” He appealed to both sides to “create a mechanism that would allow for an agreement on a moratorium.” Justifying his position, Fidan noted: “The conflict has spread throughout the Black Sea.” Earlier, during a drone attack on the Turkish cargo ship “Nadezhda,” at least three sailors were seriously injured.
Turkey has repeatedly offered its mediation services in this conflict. In the past, Ankara played an unofficial role in several prisoner exchanges between the parties. However, Turkey’s greatest diplomatic success was the grain agreement signed in 2022. At that time, together with the UN, an agreement was reached to ensure the safe export of Ukrainian grain and other food products through the Black Sea, despite the war. The main goal was to alleviate global food supply problems and price shocks in the grain market. Russia withdrew from the agreement in 2023.
Source: Der Spiegel
