Ukraine Proposes Halt to Black Sea Civilian Attacks via Third Party; Russia Says No Formal Offer

Ukraine has proposed through a third party that both sides stop attacking civilian targets in the Black Sea, according to a person familiar with the matter, and is still awaiting Russia's response. In recent weeks, strikes on commercial shipping and port facilities in the Black Sea have escalated, with several Russian terminals in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov suspending operations. Ukraine's key southern grain export hub has also been affected, and grain exports from both countries have fallen sharply, pushing up global food prices.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on August 8 that Turkey had proposed that both Russia and Ukraine suspend attacks in the Black Sea. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said earlier on August 13 that Moscow had not received a formal Black Sea ceasefire proposal.