Russia rejects Turkey-mediated ceasefire proposal for Black Sea shipping
Russia said there is no basis for a temporary ceasefire in the Black Sea, dismissing Turkey's suggestion after accusing Ukraine of terrorist attacks on merchant vessels.
Russia dismissed the idea of a ceasefire in the Black Sea, saying there are no grounds for "half-measures" that would give Ukraine a breathing space. In a statement, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova blamed Ukraine for "brazen acts of terrorism" against civilian shipping, while not mentioning Russian attacks. She referred to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's comments about a moratorium proposal, adding that no official Turkish offer had been received.
Zakharova also said returning to the 2022-23 grain-export arrangement brokered by Turkey was not feasible, labeling the deal as one-sided. Recent escalations by both Moscow and Kyiv have driven world grain prices higher, underscoring the commercial stakes of the conflict.
Why it matters
The refusal hampers diplomatic efforts to calm shipping attacks that threaten global grain supplies.
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