Russia Rejects Ceasefire Idea in the Black Sea
On August 14, Moscow stated that it does not consider a separate halt to strikes in the Black Sea and opposes such 'half-measures.' Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also mentioned that Russia has not received an official proposal for a maritime ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the day before, Reuters reported that Ukraine, through an intermediary, proposed to Russia to mutually cease attacks on civilian shipping. Turkey is also trying to achieve a moratorium on strikes in the Black Sea. Amid the attacks, Ukrainian grain exports fell by approximately 75-76% year-on-year in the first two weeks of August.
This news is directly related to the question, 'Will Ukraine fully restore the grain corridor by September 30?' While there is a diplomatic attempt underway, Moscow's fresh position indicates that a quick return to a full maritime corridor has not yet been agreed upon.
