Zelenskiy says Russia not ready for Black Sea grain ship ceasefire
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Russia was not ready for a ceasefire on attacks on ships carrying agricultural produce in the Black Sea. He said Moscow wants any deal to cover attacks on Russian refineries and pipelines. The remarks came after Reuters reported Ukraine had offered to halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea.
Key Facts
- Zelenskiy said Russia wants a halt to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure in exchange for stopping attacks on Ukraine's grain corridor.
- Reuters reported this month that Ukraine had sent Russia an offer to halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea.
- Russia dismissed the idea, saying it saw no grounds for half-measures that would offer a respite to the other side.
- Ukraine has escalated strikes on Russian economic targets in recent weeks, including grain export terminals.
Ceasefire Proposal
Zelenskiy told journalists he had proposed to certain leaders that their vessels transport food from Ukrainian ports without being attacked. He said Russia wanted a quid pro quo: halting attacks on Ukraine's grain corridor in exchange for Kyiv stopping strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. Zelenskiy said any deal to stop Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries and fuel transportation would need to include a reciprocal cessation of attacks on Ukraine's energy system.
Russian Response
Russia did not immediately comment on Zelenskiy's remarks. The Kremlin said on Monday that measures were being taken to minimise the impact of Ukraine's strikes on Russian grain exports. Last winter, millions of Ukrainians were often left without power and heating as Russia focused attacks on Ukraine's electricity network.
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Zelenskiy says Russia not ready for Black Sea grain ship ceasefire
