Russia Rejects Ceasefire Calls in Black Sea Amid Merchant Ship Attacks
Russia has rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, where both Russia and Ukraine have stepped up attacks on merchant ships. The escalation has driven up world grain prices. Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, stated that she saw no reason for 'half-measures' that would give Ukraine time to recover.
Zakharova accused Ukraine of 'brazen terrorist acts' against shipping without mentioning Russia's own attacks. She claimed these actions were a deliberate policy aimed at destabilizing civilian shipping in the region and escalating tensions, with the consent of neighboring countries.
Russia has not received an official proposal from Turkey for a moratorium on military operations in the Black Sea, according to Zakharova. The 2022-2023 Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed Russia and Ukraine to continue supplying global markets, is no longer possible, she added.