Ukraine Proposes Black Sea Truce to Russia Amid Food Supply Concerns

Ukraine has reportedly sent Russia a proposal to mutually suspend attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea, according to a source familiar with the matter. The offer, transmitted through a third party, comes as both nations warn of growing threats to global food supplies following weeks of intensified strikes on vessels and ports.

Kyiv is still awaiting a response from Moscow. The proposal follows a period of heightened targeting of ships and port infrastructure, with each side accusing the other of escalating attacks on vessels used for agricultural exports.

The disruption has forced Ukraine to seek alternative shipping routes, as many shipowners have stopped calling at ports in the Odesa region—a key hub for grain exports—due to fears of Russian strikes on foreign-flagged vessels.

Russia has not publicly commented on the reported offer. Earlier, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said Moscow had not received any formal Black Sea ceasefire proposal, though he acknowledged that various moratorium and truce ideas have been floated through different channels.

Market reaction was immediate: Euronext September wheat futures gave up earlier gains following the report of Ukraine's offer.

Separately, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Saturday that a proposal had been conveyed to both Russia and Ukraine to declare a moratorium on attacks in the Black Sea.

The impact on trade has been severe. Ukrainian grain exports from the Black Sea region have fallen 76% year-on-year so far in August, with the agricultural sector warning of significant economic consequences if the disruption continues.