Ukraine has reportedly sent a proposal to Russia, via a third-party intermediary, suggesting a halt to mutual attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea. The proposal, reported by Reuters on 13/8 citing a source familiar with the matter, is currently awaiting a response from Moscow.

Ukrainian and Russian officials have not commented on the information.

Prior to the Reuters report, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that Russia had not received any official proposals for a ceasefire in the Black Sea. "We have recently heard many calls for various forms of ceasefires or truces, conveyed through many channels. However, Russia has not received any official proposals", he said.

A Russian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacked a cargo ship suspected of carrying weapons for Ukraine in a video released on 8/8. *Video: Russian Ministry of Defense*

The potential proposal comes amidst heightened tensions in the Black Sea. In late June, Ukraine launched a "40-day pressure" campaign, primarily targeting Russian oil refineries, oil depots, logistics centers, airports, and other strategic locations deep within Russia and areas under its control. During this period, Ukrainian forces also attacked numerous Russian commercial ships and logistics vehicles in the Black Sea and Azov Sea.

Analysts noted that while Kyiv achieved some tactical successes, it did not compel Moscow to end the conflict. Instead, Russia intensified its retaliation with missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) strikes, targeting defense facilities specializing in producing UAVs used in Ukraine's operations. The Russian military also attacked a series of cargo ships suspected of transporting weapons and military supplies to the adversary in the Black Sea, as well as port infrastructure in Odesa and Mykolaiv provinces.

Ukrainian media described these actions as having completely blockaded seaports, severely affecting export activities and causing "the most serious economic problems" for Kyiv. Consequently, Ukraine has had to divert to alternative transport routes, including rail and the Danube River, though these options remain very limited.

This situation has led to a 76% decrease in Ukraine's grain exports during the first 8 months of the year compared to the same period last year, posing a risk of severe economic consequences if the situation does not improve.

Location of the Black Sea and Azov Sea. *Graphic: RYV*

Both Russia and Ukraine are key players in the global agricultural market. The escalating attacks on cargo ships and seaports are raising significant concerns about global food supply. Turkey, a key regional actor, expressed its concern to Russia and Ukraine on 9/8 regarding the attacks, urging both sides to stop targeting cargo ships in the Black Sea.

Nguyen Tien (According to Reuters, TASS)