Russia Rejects Ukraine's Truce Offer Over Black Sea Shipping Attacks

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine offered Russia a truce to halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea, including ships carrying agricultural commodities. However, Moscow rejected the proposal.

The reported offer was made through a third party and sought a mutual suspension of attacks on civilian targets. This initiative came as shipowners became increasingly reluctant to call at Ukrainian ports due to the risks posed by Russian attacks.

Russia accused Ukraine of targeting shipping and infrastructure linked to its own exports, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stating that Moscow saw no basis for temporary arrangements providing Kyiv with what she called a 'breathing space.'

The dispute has significant consequences beyond the battlefield as Ukraine and Russia are major suppliers of agricultural commodities to international markets. Recent attacks have disrupted grain shipments, causing some vessels and shipowners to avoid Black Sea ports.