Russia rejected the idea of a truce with Ukraine in the Black Sea
Russia sees no grounds for introducing a moratorium on military actions in the Black Sea. This was stated on August 14 by Russian Foreign Ministry representative Maria Zakharova.
Tanker in the Black Sea after being attacked. Photo: Michael Shtekel / AP
According to Zakharova, Moscow is not interested in "half-measures" which, in the opinion of the Russian side, could give Ukraine a temporary reprieve. She also accused Ukraine of attacks on shipping, calling them "acts of terrorism." At the same time, she did not mention Russian attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea.
Zakharova stated that Russia views Ukrainian attacks as a deliberate policy aimed at destabilizing civilian shipping and further escalating the conflict. According to her assertion, Moscow sees no signs of improvement in the situation, and therefore does not consider it necessary to agree to a temporary cessation of hostilities.
Thus, the Russian side reacted to Turkey's proposal to introduce a moratorium on military operations in the Black Sea. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan earlier reported that Ankara had submitted relevant proposals to Russia and Ukraine.
Zakharova claims that Russia has not yet received an official proposal from Turkey. She also stated that Moscow is not considering the possibility of returning to the Black Sea Grain Initiative of 2022-2023, which was precisely Turkey's help in organizing. The Russian representative called that agreement one-sided.
Earlier, Reuters agency reported that Ukraine, through an intermediary, submitted a proposal to Russia for a mutual cessation of attacks on civilian objects and shipping in the Black Sea.