Ukraine Offers Truce in Black Sea Shipping Dispute with Russia

Ukraine has proposed a temporary halt to attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea as grain trade disruptions continue, according to a source familiar with the matter. The proposal was conveyed to Moscow through a third party, but Russia is yet to respond.

The move comes as both Ukraine and Russia 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 in late July following Russian attacks on vessels.

Odesa is a key hub for Ukraine's grain exports, which have fallen 76% year-on-year so far in August. The country's agricultural sector has warned that a prolonged disruption to Black Sea shipping could have major consequences for the wider economy.