Russia Dismisses Calls for Black Sea Ceasefire

Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Friday dismissed proposals for a ceasefire with Ukraine in the Black Sea, saying it saw no grounds for “half-measures” that would give Ukrainian forces a respite. In recent weeks, both Russia and Ukraine have intensified attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, pushing global grain prices higher.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of “brazen acts of terrorism” against shipping, without mentioning Russia’s own attacks. She described the strikes as a deliberate policy aimed at destabilizing civilian navigation in the region, escalating tensions and prolonging the conflict, all with the apparent acquiescence of neighboring states. “We see no signs of improvement in the situation and, consequently, no grounds for half-measures that merely grant the Kyiv regime temporary breathing space,” Zakharova said.

Her comments came in response to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who told media that Ankara had put forward proposals to both sides for a moratorium on military operations in the Black Sea. Zakharova said Russia had not received any formal proposal from Turkey. Reuters reported on Thursday that Ukraine had passed an offer to Russia through a third party to halt attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea.

Zakharova also ruled out a return to the 2022-23 Black Sea Grain Initiative brokered by Turkey and the United Nations. That agreement allowed Russia and Ukraine, both major grain exporters, to ship grain safely through the Black Sea. She called the arrangement one-sided; it collapsed after Russia withdrew, claiming that Western commitments regarding its own exports were never fulfilled.