Kyiv proposes Black Sea ceasefire via intermediaries to Russia
According to Reuters, Ukraine has submitted a proposal through a third country to Russia, suggesting both sides halt attacks on civilian vessels and ports in the Black Sea. Moscow has not yet responded.
Kyiv launched this ceasefire initiative following the shipping publication Lloyd's List labeling the Black Sea as "the most dangerous maritime region for shipping." Data from Turkey's Seafarers' Union (Deniz Iscileri) indicates that at least 23 sailors lost their lives in the Black Sea during July alone.
According to Kpler's data, shipping activities in Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Yuzhne ports have been completely halted in August due to ballistic missile strikes. Between June and July, 50 vessels were attacked, resulting in 30 fatalities. The dry cargo ship "Golden Eagle," carrying grain, was sunk by a missile strike, killing 10 crew members and one Ukrainian pilot.
Ukrainian drones attacked Novorossiysk, sinking the container ship "Yanina" operated by Russia's Far East Maritime Shipping Company, leading to the paralysis of three major grain terminals: the KSK terminal with an annual capacity of 9 million tons, the NZT terminal handling 8.5 million tons annually, and the NKHP terminal with a capacity of 7.1 million tons.
Due to insufficient Patriot air defense missile stockpiles, Ukraine’s air defense capabilities have declined significantly, leaving ports across the Odesa region nearly defenseless against ballistic missiles. This has prompted Kyiv to seek solutions aimed at halting mutual destruction of port infrastructure.
Previously, Turkey had also called for establishing new grain corridors.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1873454033922056/
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