Ukraine Offers Black Sea Ceasefire, Awaits Russia's Response

Ukraine has proposed a temporary halt to attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea as a surge in strikes on ships and ports disrupts trade and raises concerns about global food supplies. The proposal was conveyed to Moscow through a third party, but Kyiv is still waiting for Russia to respond.

The development comes as both Ukraine and Russia, major players in global agricultural markets, accuse each other of escalating attacks on vessels and port infrastructure involved in exports. Ukraine has increasingly relied on alternative shipping arrangements after several shipowners stopped calling at ports in the Odesa region following Russian attacks on vessels.

Russia's own Black Sea trade has faced disruption, with Moscow temporarily halting operations at all three terminals at the Novorossiysk port for two days following a Ukrainian attack. This is expected to put further pressure on Russia's grain exports.