Ukraine Asks Russia for Maritime Ceasefire as Attacks on Ports and Ships Threaten Black Sea Trade

In an effort to restore maritime traffic and ensure the continued flow of grain exports, Ukraine has presented Russia with a proposal for a mutual halt to attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea.

Reuters reports that the offer was conveyed to Moscow through a third party, but the Russian authorities have yet to respond. Kyiv’s initiative comes after strikes on ports and vessels increased the risks to commercial shipping in the region.

The Black Sea is one of the main export corridors for both Ukraine and Russia, particularly for shipments of grain, food and energy products.

Since July, Ukrainian forces have stepped up drone attacks against Russian maritime targets. Reports indicate that around 220 vessels have been struck in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, including oil tankers, cargo vessels and ferries.

As a result of these strikes, Russia has been forced to impose navigation restrictions on several waterways linking the Caspian Sea to the Sea of Azov and, beyond that, to the Black Sea.

Meanwhile, during the same period, Moscow has intensified attacks on ports in southern Ukraine, damaging commercial and agricultural infrastructure. Approximately 90% of Ukraine’s grain and sunflower exports are shipped through the port of Odesa, as well as the nearby ports of Chornomorsk and Pivdenne.

Strikes on civilian vessels have also resulted in loss of life. In July, the Turkish grain carrier Golden Leo was hit in a Russian attack shortly after leaving Odesa. According to reports, 10 sailors were killed in the incident, while additional fatalities have been recorded in other attacks on ports and vessels.

Reopening a safe maritime corridor is particularly important for Ukraine at this time, as the harvest season has begun and agricultural exports require reliable transport routes.

Kyiv’s offer also follows reports that US Vice President JD Vance asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to limit some strikes against Russian targets in the Black Sea.

According to the Financial Times, Vance asked Zelenskyy for Ukraine to halt attacks on tankers carrying oil from Kazakhstan through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal. US concerns also relate to the potential consequences of these strikes for American companies and the international oil market.

Following that phone call, Ukrainian forces have not attacked any further vessels passing through the terminal to transport oil from Kazakhstan. However, they have continued to strike other targets in Novorossiysk.