Key facts
- Ukraine proposed a deal to Russia via a third party to halt attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea.
- Russia dismissed the proposal, calling it a "half-measure" and stating no grounds for respite.
- Russia accused Ukraine of "brazen acts of terrorism" against shipping.
- Russia stated it had received no formal proposal from Turkey regarding a Black Sea moratorium.
- Russia deemed returning to the previous Black Sea grain initiative unfeasible.
Russia has dismissed Ukraine's proposal for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, with the Russian Foreign Ministry stating there were no grounds for "half-measures" that would offer respite. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of "brazen acts of terrorism" against shipping, while making no mention of Russia's own attacks. Zakharova commented on a statement by Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who indicated Ankara had put proposals to both Russia and Ukraine for a moratorium on military operations in the Black Sea, though Zakharova stated Russia had received no formal proposal from Turkey. Ukraine had reportedly transmitted an offer to Russia, via a third party, for both sides to halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea, aiming to reopen a crucial grain corridor. Russia also stated it was unfeasible to return to the 2022-23 Black Sea grain initiative brokered by Turkey, which allowed grain exports but broke down after Russia accused Ukraine and the West of failing to honor their side of the deal. Ukraine has been using drones to attack civilian and military vessels, while Russia has targeted Ukraine's southern ports, impacting agricultural exports. US Vice President JD Vance reportedly urged Ukraine to stop attacks on oil tankers, citing concerns over US companies and oil price stability.