Ukraine Proposes Deal to Russia for Halting Attacks Amid Black Sea Crisis

Through a third party, Ukraine has submitted proposals to Russia seeking to halt attacks, while grain export bottlenecks and military strikes escalate across the Black Sea region.

Third-Party Proposals and Grain Concerns

Ukraine has transmitted proposals to Russia via a third party, and Kyiv has not yet received a response, Reuters reported on Thursday, August 13, citing sources. Journalists emphasize that in recent weeks, both sides have stated that attacks on grain transports and infrastructure on the heavily utilized Black Sea route could significantly impact global food prices this year.

Peak Harvest and Storage Crisis

Ukraine is among the world’s largest producers of wheat, corn, and sunflower seeds, with about 90 percent of the exports of these crops shipped via the Black Sea. The problem is compounded by the fact that wheat harvests in Ukraine are currently at their peak, grain storage facilities are almost full, and corn harvesting is set to start next month. There is nowhere to send this grain, one farmer told Reuters, adding that it is a complete catastrophe for farmers.

Naval Strikes and Military Operations

Ukraine has intensified its attacks on Russian warships in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov in an effort to strike Russia’s economy. In the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, August 12, Ukrainians attacked a Russian military base in Novorossiysk on the Black Sea, resulting in damage to three Russian ships, including the frigates Admiral Essen and Admiral Makarov, as well as the small missile ship Buyan-M and the patrol ship Vasily Bykov.

On Tuesday, August 11, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine had transmitted proposals to the United States regarding peace talks with Russia. On August 1, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the USA is ready in the coming weeks to check whether it is possible to resume talks between Russia and Ukraine and to support potential negotiations.

U.S. Mediation and Anniversary Visit

Media reported, citing sources, that in the second half of August, U.S. President’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Kyiv, where they will take part in celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. American involvement in mediating the conflict was scaled back at the end of February due to the war with Iran.