Russia Rejects Black Sea Ceasefire as Attacks on Shipping Drive Grain Prices Higher

MOSCOW/KYIV — Russia has rejected the idea of a limited ceasefire with Ukraine in the Black Sea, saying it sees no basis for what it described as "half-measures".

The Russian position followed reports that Turkey had been exploring a possible moratorium on military activity in the Black Sea and that Ukraine had transmitted an offer through a third party for both sides to stop attacks against civilian targets.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow had received no formal proposal from Turkey. She nevertheless dismissed the wider concept of a ceasefire, arguing that it would merely provide Ukraine with temporary respite.

Russia accused Ukraine of deliberately attacking shipping. Ukraine, for its part, has repeatedly accused Russia of striking ports, commercial vessels and export infrastructure. Both countries have intensified attacks involving commercial shipping in recent weeks.

The escalation matters because Russia and Ukraine are among the world's most important grain exporters. The Black Sea is one of the principal routes by which wheat, maize and other agricultural commodities from the region reach international markets. Increasing attacks have already contributed to higher world grain prices.

Turkey had previously played an important diplomatic role in brokering the 2022 Black Sea Grain Initiative. That arrangement allowed agricultural exports to continue despite the war but eventually collapsed after Russia withdrew. Moscow now says it does not consider a return to that previous arrangement feasible.

For countries in Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia that rely heavily on imported wheat, disruption in the Black Sea can translate into higher food prices and greater food insecurity.

Sources: Russian Foreign Ministry, Reuters.

Editorial note: this supersedes our morning report of Ukraine's mutual-truce offer, which Moscow has now rejected.