Russia dismisses idea of Black Sea ceasefire

Russia on Friday dismissed the idea of a ceasefire with Ukraine in the Black Sea, saying it ​saw no grounds for "half-measures" that would offer a respite to ‌the other side.

Both Russia and Ukraine have stepped up attacks in recent weeks against commercial ships in the Black Sea, driving world grain prices higher.

In a statement, ​Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of "brazen acts of ​terrorism" against shipping, while making no mention of Russia's own ⁠attacks.

"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.

"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."

Zakharova said she was commenting on a statement by Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan ‌Fidan ⁠in a media interview that Ankara had put proposals to both Russia and Ukraine for a moratorium on military operations in the Black Sea.

She said Russia had received no formal proposal from Turkey.
Reuters reported on Thursday ​that Ukraine has ​transmitted an offer ⁠to Russia, via a third party, for both sides to halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black ​Sea.

Zakharova said it was not feasible to return to ​the ⁠2022-23 Black Sea grain initiative brokered by Turkey, an arrangement that allowed Russia and Ukraine - both major grain exporters - to continue to supply world markets. ⁠The ​agreement, which she called one-sided, broke down ​after Russia accused Ukraine and the West of failing to honour their side of the deal.

-Reuters