Russia Rejects Black Sea Ceasefire Proposal Amid Escalating Tensions

Russia has dismissed the idea of a ceasefire in the Black Sea, saying it sees no grounds for 'half-measures' that would benefit Ukraine. The statement was made by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who accused Ukraine of 'brazen acts of terrorism' against shipping.

Zakharova said Russia views these attacks as a deliberate policy aimed at destabilising civilian shipping in the Black Sea region and further escalating tensions. She claimed that regional neighbours are acquiescing to this policy, but made no mention of Russia's own actions in the area.

Russia has been involved in stepped-up attacks against commercial ships in the Black Sea, driving up world grain prices. Ukraine has also been accused of launching attacks on civilian targets in the region, and Zakharova said she saw no signs of improvement in the situation.