Russia Rejects Black Sea Ceasefire Proposal, Cites “Half-Measures”

Russia formally dismissed on Friday the idea of a ceasefire with Ukraine in the Black Sea, stating it sees no justification for what it termed “half-measures” — arrangements that would merely afford the other side temporary breathing room.

In recent weeks, Moscow and Kyiv have intensified strikes against commercial shipping in the Black Sea. Those actions have contributed to rising global grain prices.

Accusations of “Blatant Terrorism” Against Maritime Traffic

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement accusing Ukraine of carrying out “blatant terrorist acts” targeting maritime navigation. The statement made no mention of Russian attacks.

Zakharova characterized Ukrainian strikes as a deliberate policy aimed at destabilizing civilian navigation across the Black Sea region. She asserted the objective was to heighten tensions and prolong the conflict, acting “in clear collusion with neighboring countries.”

Russian Rejection of Temporary Relief for Kyiv

She added: “At the same time, we see no indicators of an improvement in the situation; therefore, there is no justification for half-measures that would grant only the Kyiv regime temporary relief.”

This position follows public remarks by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who told media in an interview that Ankara had submitted proposals to both Russia and Ukraine for halting military operations in the Black Sea.

Zakharova clarified that Russia has not received any formal proposal from Turkey on the matter.

Kyiv’s Third-Party Proposal on Civilian Targets

According to Reuters reporting on Thursday, Ukraine conveyed a proposal to Russia — via a third party — calling for a halt to attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea.

Zakharova stated it is impossible to return to the 2022–2023 Black Sea Grain Initiative, a Turkish-brokered agreement that enabled both Russia and Ukraine — major global grain exporters — to continue supplying international markets.

That initiative collapsed after Russia accused Ukraine and Western countries of failing to uphold their commitments under the deal.