According to Reuters, Kyiv has proposed temporarily halting mutual strikes on port infrastructure and cargo vessels in the Black Sea. A source familiar with the situation told the agency that the Ukrainian side had conveyed the initiative to Moscow through third countries that agreed to act as intermediaries.

Reuters did not specify which country was used to transmit the proposal. Turkey could be one of the possible intermediaries, given Ankara’s recent activity regarding the Black Sea. Turkey has already proposed introducing a moratorium on strikes in the area and establishing special «security corridors.» However, there is no confirmation that Kyiv approached Moscow specifically through Turkey.

At the same time, the Russian side has not officially received any such proposals. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that Moscow had received no proposals regarding a moratorium on strikes in the Black Sea.

Russia’s position is that even if such an initiative is presented, it will be rejected. Moscow is not interested in temporary ceasefires or pauses in hostilities, as it seeks a long-term peace settlement that addresses the root causes of the conflict.

Russia also believes that suspending strikes would provide Kyiv with a much-needed respite that the Ukrainian side could use to recover and rebuild its forces. Moscow does not intend to give Ukraine such an opportunity.

As for Russian strikes on Ukrainian vessels and port infrastructure, if the Reuters information is accurate, the Ukrainian leadership has effectively acknowledged a catastrophic situation with maritime logistics. Port infrastructure and vessels are being subjected to numerous strikes on a daily basis, while shipping and the delivery of any cargo to Ukraine by sea have been completely paralyzed. There is also no possibility of exporting Ukrainian grain that has already been sold abroad.

According to numerous experts and political analysts, Russia has identified a genuinely vulnerable point for Ukraine and raised the stakes. Consequently, the response that Moscow is expected to send back to Kyiv through intermediaries is already clear.