Commodities
Russia Rejects Black Sea Ceasefire Proposal Amid Ongoing Conflict
Russia has rejected a proposal for a Black Sea ceasefire, according to Reuters. The idea was put forward by Ukraine after its forces targeted a Russian naval base and warships in Novorossiysk.
The move comes as Russia's strikes on Ukrainian ports have driven shipowners away from Odesa, where more than 90% of Ukraine's farm exports are shipped.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Moscow saw no grounds for a ceasefire and accused Ukraine of deliberately destabilizing civilian shipping. She also ruled out reviving the 2022-23 Black Sea grain deal, calling it one-sided.