Ukraine proposed an agreement with Russia to halt attacks on ships transporting agricultural commodities through the Black Sea, but Moscow rejected the proposal, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The proposed arrangement was aimed at reducing risks to commercial shipping amid continuing hostilities in the region.

Zelenskyy said Russia sought guarantees that Ukraine would stop attacks on Russian energy infrastructure as a condition for refraining from strikes affecting Ukraine’s grain shipping corridor. The Ukrainian president disclosed the development as both countries continue military operations targeting economic and maritime infrastructure.

The proposal follows an increase in attacks involving vessels and port facilities in and around the Black Sea. Russia and Ukraine, both major agricultural exporters, have accused each other of targeting maritime and commercial infrastructure, raising concerns over the safety of merchant vessels operating in the region.

The Black Sea remains an important maritime route for agricultural exports, particularly grain and other food commodities destined for international markets. Continued disruption to shipping and port operations has raised concerns over trade flows, freight risks, and global food supplies.

For the maritime sector, the absence of an agreement means security risks for commercial shipping in the Black Sea remain a significant concern. Shipowners, operators, seafarers, and maritime authorities continue to face an evolving security environment as the Russia-Ukraine conflict affects vessels, ports, and major regional shipping routes.