Russia Formally Rejects Black Sea Ceasefire Proposal by Turkey
The Russian Foreign Ministry officially dismissed a Turkish proposal for a military moratorium in the Black Sea intended to protect grain shipping. Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Russia sees "no grounds for half-measures" that would provide a strategic respite to Ukrainian forces. This rejection follows weeks of intensified Russian and Ukrainian strikes on commercial vessels and port infrastructure, which have caused global grain prices to reach their highest levels since early 2023.