Ukraine Proposes Black Sea Truce To Russia As Attacks On Ports And Vessels Raise Global Food Supply Concerns

Ukraine has offered Russia a proposal to stop attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, as attacks on ships and ports disrupt grain shipments and raise concerns about global food supplies.

The proposal was sent to Russia through a third party, and Ukraine is still waiting for a response, the source said.

Russia and Ukraine are both major players in global agriculture and have accused each other of increasing attacks on vessels used to transport exports.

The situation has already affected shipping. Many shipowners stopped calling at ports in Ukraine’s southern Odesa region in late July after Russian strikes hit dozens of ships. Odesa is a key hub for Ukraine’s grain exports, forcing Kyiv to rely more on alternative routes.

Russia has also faced disruption at its Black Sea ports. Operations at all three terminals at Novorossiysk were suspended on Wednesday and Thursday after a Ukrainian attack. Russia is expected to cut its grain exports further as a result.

The Kremlin and Russian foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Ukraine’s offer.

Before the report of Ukraine’s proposal, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said Moscow had not received any formal proposal for a ceasefire in the Black Sea.

Grain Exports Fall

The latest disruption comes after the collapse of a previous agreement that allowed Ukrainian grain to move through the Black Sea.

After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the United Nations and Turkey brokered an agreement that allowed Ukrainian grain exports to continue and helped reduce the risk of a wider food crisis. Russia refused to extend the agreement in 2023.

Ukraine later created another sea route that remained operational until the latest escalation.

Kyiv says other options, including rail shipments and routes through the Danube, are very limited.

Ukrainian grain exports have fallen 76% year-on-year so far in August because of the current disruption at Black Sea ports in the Odesa region. The agricultural sector has warned of serious consequences for the Ukrainian economy if the situation continues.

The developments have also affected wheat markets. Euronext wheat gave up some of its earlier gains on Thursday after reaching a two-week high.

Turkey Calls for Moratorium

Turkey has also called for an end to attacks on Black Sea shipping.

On Sunday, Turkey raised its concerns with both Russia and Ukraine and said the two countries should declare a moratorium on attacks in the Black Sea.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said a proposal had been conveyed to both sides for such a moratorium.

Ukraine is now waiting for Russia’s response to its proposal as attacks on ships and port infrastructure continue to affect grain shipments in the Black Sea.

References: Reuters, economictimes