No to 'Half Measures': Russia Rejects Ceasefire Proposals for Black Sea Strikes

The Russian government on Friday firmly ruled out a maritime ceasefire with Ukraine in the Black Sea, dismissing recent diplomatic efforts to halt a surge in attacks on commercial shipping.

Escalating strikes on maritime vessels by both nations have significantly disrupted regional trade routes over the past several weeks.

The mounting security crisis has subsequently triggered an upward spike in global grain prices.

No to Türkiye’s Moratorium

Moscow’s public dismissal follows remarks from Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who recently stated that Ankara had pitched a military moratorium to the warring parties.

Despite Fidan’s claims, the Russian Foreign Ministry maintains it has received no official diplomatic framework from Türkiye.

According to previous reports from Reuters, Kyiv utilized a third-party intermediary on Thursday to propose a mutual cessation of strikes against civilian maritime targets.

Accusing Each Other

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova released a statement on Friday directly condemning the proposed pause in hostilities.

Zakharova emphasized that the Kremlin perceives no shift in the operational environment that would justify a halt in naval maneuvers.

"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 stated.

Outlining Moscow's position, the spokeswoman accused the Ukrainian military of conducting unchecked maritime terrorism, completely omitting any reference to Russian strikes on commercial assets.

"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," she added.

Grain Deal Revival Ruled Out

Zakharova further dismissed any possibility of resurrecting the defunct 2022-2023 Black Sea grain corridor.

The initial export initiative, facilitated by Türkiye, was designed to stabilize global food markets by ensuring agricultural shipments from both countries.

Moscow abandoned that diplomatic arrangement, labeling it structurally imbalanced and asserting that Western capitals and Kyiv had failed to fulfill their strategic obligations under the pact.