Ukraine sent Russia a proposal calling on both countries to stop attacks on civilian facilities in the Black Sea. A source reported this as both countries warned of a threat to global food supplies after several weeks of intensified strikes on vessels and ports, UNN reports, citing Reuters.
The proposal to suspend the attacks was conveyed by Kyiv through a third party, and Ukraine is still awaiting a response, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters.
The publication notes that both Russia and Ukraine, major players in the global agricultural market, accuse each other of intensifying attacks on vessels used to export agricultural products.
Kyiv was forced to turn to alternative shipping routes after many shipowners stopped calling at ports in the southern Odesa region—the main hub for grain exports—fearing Russian strikes on dozens of foreign-flagged vessels and port infrastructure. Russia has not yet commented publicly on the situation.
Before the report was published, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said that Moscow had not received an official proposal to cease fire in the Black Sea.
"Recently, we have heard many calls for various types of moratoriums and ceasefires. These ideas are being put forward through various channels, but we have not received any official proposals," he said, according to a report by Russia's TASS.
September wheat futures on Euronext BL2U6 fell, giving up a significant earlier gain, after Reuters reported on Ukraine's proposal.
This season, Ukraine reduced wheat exports but increased corn exports12.08.26, 17:03
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Saturday that a proposal to introduce a moratorium on attacks in the Black Sea had been sent to Russia and Ukraine.
Russia's de facto blockade of Ukrainian Black Sea ports in the Odesa region led to a 76% year-on-year decline in Ukraine's grain exports in August, while the agricultural sector warns of large-scale consequences for the economy if it continues, the publication concludes.