Russia Rejects Black Sea Ceasefire Amid Escalating Attacks and Rising Grain Prices
Russia has rejected a proposal for a ceasefire in the Black Sea region amid escalating tensions and attacks on commercial ships. The rejection comes as both Russia and Ukraine have increased their military activities against shipping, driving up world grain prices.
In a statement, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of 'brazen acts of terrorism' against shipping and denied any involvement in similar attacks. She claimed that Ukraine's actions are aimed at destabilizing civilian shipping in the Black Sea region to escalate tensions and prolong the conflict.
The breakdown of the 2022-23 Black Sea Grain Initiative has been cited as one reason for Russia's rejection of the ceasefire proposal. The initiative, brokered by Turkey, allowed safe grain export corridors but collapsed after Russia withdrew in July citing unmet conditions for its agricultural exports.