Ukraine Offers Russia Truce in Black Sea Amid Global Food Supply Fears

Ukraine has made an offer to Russia to halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea, amid growing concerns over global food supplies. According to a source familiar with the matter, Ukraine transmitted this proposal via a third party and is still waiting for a response from Russia.

The conflict has disrupted grain exports from both countries, which are major players in the world agriculture market. In recent weeks, Russia has suspended operations at its Black Sea port of Novorossiysk after a Ukrainian attack, while Ukraine has been forced to use alternative shipment routes due to shipowners halting stops at ports in Odesa.

The UN and Turkey brokered a deal last year allowing Ukrainian grain exports to continue, but Russia refused to prolong the agreement. This has led to a 76% decline in Ukrainian grain exports so far this month, with the agricultural sector warning of severe consequences for the economy if it persists.

Turkey has also conveyed its concerns about attacks to both Russia and Ukraine, urging them to declare a moratorium on Black Sea attacks. The Kremlin and Russian Foreign Ministry have not yet commented on Ukraine's proposal.