Ukraine has put forward an offer to Russia proposing that both sides suspend attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea, according to a source familiar with the matter. The offer was transmitted by Kyiv through a third party and, at the time the source spoke, Ukraine was awaiting a response.
The initiative comes as both countries - each a significant participant in global agriculture markets - have accused one another of stepped-up targeting of vessels used for agricultural exports. Those accusations follow weeks of intensified strikes affecting ships and port infrastructure in the region, raising alarm over potential threats to global food supplies.
As a result of the damage and security concerns, many shipowners have ceased calls at ports in the southern Odesa region - the area that serves as a primary outlet for Ukraine's grain exports. That shift has forced Kyiv to rely on alternative shipment routes after dozens of foreign-flagged ships and port facilities were hit and ship operators adopted a more cautious posture.
Russia did not immediately issue a public comment on the proposed suspension of attacks. Earlier, Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said Moscow had not received a formal ceasefire proposal for the Black Sea. "Recently, we have been hearing many calls for various kinds of moratoriums and truces. These ideas are being put forward through various channels, but we have not received any formal proposals," he said, according to Russia's state news agency TASS.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that a proposal had been conveyed to both Russia and Ukraine suggesting they declare a moratorium on attacks in the Black Sea.
Markets showed a reaction to the news flow. Euronext September wheat initially rose sharply but later retreated, giving up earlier gains after reports about Ukraine's offer became public.
The disruptions have had a pronounced effect on Ukrainian grain shipments. Russia's effective blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports in the Odesa region has contributed to a 76% year-on-year drop in Ukrainian grain exports so far in August, and players in the agricultural sector warn of severe economic consequences if the situation continues.
Context limitations - The details released so far are limited to the transmitted offer and public statements; Kyiv's proposal was sent via a third party and was pending a reply at the time the source provided the information. No new formal proposal to Moscow had been acknowledged by Russian officials according to a cited statement.