Russia rejects proposal to stop attacks on civilian vessels

Moscow does not consider it advisable to restore the format of the “grain agreement”, despite Turkey’s proposal to introduce a moratorium on military operations in the Black Sea.

Russia has rejected the possibility of returning to the model of the Black Sea Grain Initiative of 2022-2023. This was stated by the spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, commenting on Turkey’s proposal for a moratorium on military operations in the Black Sea.

According to Zakharova, Moscow allegedly did not receive an official proposal from Ankara with specific conditions for such a moratorium.

“If we are talking about a unilateral scheme of the 2022-2023 model, better known as the “Black Sea Initiative”, according to which Moscow suspended military operations in the Black Sea, or rather, retaliatory steps to protect Russian port infrastructure and energy facilities, then it is inappropriate to return to this option,” she said.

Read also. Can Turkey affect exports from the ports of Great Odesa?

The Russian Foreign Ministry traditionally claims that during the grain agreement, Moscow allegedly agreed to limit hostilities in exchange for guarantees for the export of Russian agricultural products. The Russian side claims that these agreements were not fulfilled.

Zakharova also repeated Russian accusations against Ukraine over attacks on shipping in the Black Sea. At the same time, she stated that Moscow sees no reason to introduce “half-measures” that could allegedly give Ukraine an advantage.

Turkey’s proposal was Ankara’s response to the growing risks for civilian shipping in the Black Sea.

Thus, after the Russian Federation’s attacks on Ukrainian ports and civilian vessels intensified, Ankara temporarily closed its straits towards the Black Sea.

Subsequently, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reported that Ankara had proposed to Ukraine and Russia to introduce a moratorium on hostilities in the water area.

Shortly thereafter, Ukraine, through a mediator, proposed to Russia to stop attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea.