Russia has rejected the idea of a ceasefire with Ukraine in the Black Sea.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday that it saw no reason for what it called “half-measures” that could give Ukraine temporary relief.
The statement came as attacks involving commercial shipping have increased in the Black Sea. The developments have also added pressure to global grain markets, according to Reuters.
Russia Responds to Turkish Ceasefire Efforts
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow had received no formal proposal from Turkey.
Her comments followed remarks by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. He said Ankara had presented Russia and Ukraine with proposals for a temporary halt to military operations in the Black Sea.
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Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Ukraine had sent Russia an offer through a third party. The proposal called for both sides to stop attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea.
However, Russia has not accepted the proposal.
Moscow Accuses Ukraine of Attacking Shipping
Zakharova accused Ukraine of carrying out attacks against civilian shipping.
She said Moscow viewed the alleged attacks as part of a policy aimed at creating instability in the Black Sea.
According to Zakharova, the attacks could increase tensions and prolong the war.
Russia’s statement focused on alleged Ukrainian attacks and did not mention its own attacks in the region.
Russia Rules Out Return to Grain Deal
Moscow also rejected a return to the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
Turkey brokered the 2022-23 agreement between Russia and Ukraine. It allowed both countries to continue exporting grain to international markets despite the war.
Russia described the agreement as one-sided. Moscow later withdrew from the arrangement after accusing Ukraine and Western countries of failing to meet their commitments.
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Therefore, Russia says current conditions do not support a return to the previous agreement.
Black Sea Shipping Faces Growing Risks
The latest development comes as the security situation around Black Sea shipping remains tense.
Both Russia and Ukraine have increased attacks in the region in recent weeks. These attacks have affected commercial shipping and contributed to concerns over global food supplies.
For now, Moscow has shown little interest in a temporary Black Sea truce. The Russian position could make efforts by Turkey and other parties to reduce risks to civilian shipping more difficult.
