Russia on Friday publicly rejected the idea of a ceasefire or temporary halt to military operations in the Black Sea, arguing that such a step would amount to a partial measure that unfairly benefits the Kyiv government.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova levelled sharp criticism at Ukraine, accusing it of carrying out what she described as "brazen acts of terrorism" against commercial shipping in the region. Her statement made no reference to attacks attributed to Russia.
"We view these attacks (by Ukraine) as a deliberate policy aimed at destabilising civilian shipping in the Black Sea region to further escalate tensions and prolong the conflict, all with the blatant acquiescence of regional neighbours," Zakharova said in a formal comment. She added: "At the same time, we see no signs of improvement in the situation and, consequently, no grounds for half-measures that merely grant the Kyiv regime a temporary breathing space."
Her remarks followed comments by Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who, in a media interview, said Ankara had put forward proposals to both Russia and Ukraine for a moratorium on military operations in the Black Sea. Zakharova said Russia had not received a formal proposal from Turkey.
Separate reporting indicated that Ukraine had transmitted an offer to Russia, through a third party, proposing both sides halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea. Zakharova dismissed the prospect of returning to the earlier Black Sea grain initiative from 2022-23, saying it was not feasible to revive that arrangement.
She characterised the previous grain corridor as one-sided and noted that it broke down after Russia accused Ukraine and Western parties of failing to meet their obligations under the deal. Recent weeks have seen both Russia and Ukraine increase strikes on commercial ships operating in the Black Sea, a dynamic that has contributed to upward pressure on world grain prices.
Contextual note - The exchanges underline tensions among the parties involved in efforts to stabilise maritime traffic and grain exports, while officials disagree on the feasibility and fairness of temporary measures.