Ukraine has proposed a mutual ceasefire on attacks against civilian vessels and ports in the Black Sea. This initiative comes as both countries face significant disruptions to their grain exports due to ongoing hostilities.
On August 13, Reuters reported, citing sources, that Ukraine conveyed this proposal to Russia through a third party but has yet to receive a response.
Russia has stated that it has not received any official proposal. Alexander Grushko, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, noted, "Various channels have suggested a ceasefire and a halt to attacks, but no official proposal has been received."
Recently, attacks on ports and vessels in the Black Sea have intensified. As Russian strikes continue, shipowners have increasingly halted operations at ports in the Odesa region, Ukraine's largest grain export hub. This month, Ukraine's grain exports have plummeted by 76% compared to the same period last year.
Russia is also facing challenges with its grain exports due to Ukrainian attacks. Some terminals at Novorossiysk, a key export port on the Black Sea, have ceased operations. Russia is the world's largest wheat exporter, while Ukraine is also a major grain supplier.
On the same day, Russia attacked Izmail, a major grain export port on the Danube River in Ukraine. The assault damaged port facilities and disrupted power supply in some areas. With attacks now extending to the Danube ports, which serve as alternative export routes, the burden on Ukraine's grain exports has increased.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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