Ukraine has sent Russia an offer suggesting both countries halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters. The proposal was transmitted by Kyiv via a third party, and Ukraine was still waiting for a response as of the latest reports. This development comes after Russian attacks on cargo vessels have sharply disrupted shipping from Odesa, Ukraine's most crucial link to the world economy. The attacks are occurring at Ukraine's harvest season, which could throw global food supply chains into turmoil.
The current de facto blockade of Black Sea ports has sent Ukrainian grain exports tumbling 76% year-on-year so far in August, with the agricultural sector warning of vast consequences for the economy should it persist. The Russian blockade could trap millions of tons of grain at three Ukrainian ports that account for about 60% of Ukraine's total monthly export revenue of $3.5 billion. As reported by Business Standard, the Ukrainian Agri Council has warned of a potential wave of bankruptcies and has pleaded for emergency loans and state guarantees.
The latest major assault took place before dawn on Wednesday when Ukrainian forces attacked the Russian port of Novorossiysk with jet-powered drones, missiles and unmanned naval systems. According to reports from Business Standard, three people died, including an 8-year-old child, and about 60 residential buildings were damaged. Andrei Kravchenko, the mayor of Novorossiysk, declared a state of emergency and said the city's water supply had been suspended after two mains were damaged. Kyiv was forced to turn to alternative shipment routes when many shipowners halted stops at ports in late July in the southern region of Odesa - a key hub for grain exports - wary after Russian strikes on dozens of ships.
Dmytro Barinov, president of the Ukrainian Ports Association, described the attacks as 'professional hunting for civilian vessels'. As reported by Business Standard, Elisabeth Braw, an expert on maritime threats from the Atlantic Council, stated that Russia was waging a systematic and indiscriminate campaign against merchant vessels carrying agricultural goods. Such attacks violate treaties such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Kremlin and Russian foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Ukraine's offer.
