politics
Ukraine 'offering Russia deal to halt attacks on civilian ships in Black Sea'
Kyiv reportedly suggested mutual agreement in attempt to reopen crucial grain corridor

TL;DR
- Ukraine has proposed a deal to Russia to cease attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea.
- The proposal is an attempt to reopen a crucial grain corridor for worldwide foodstuff transport.
- Both Ukraine and Russia have previously attacked civilian vessels, impacting global food security.
- Ukraine has used drones to strike nearly 220 vessels since July, forcing Russia to suspend some shipping.
- Russia has escalated attacks on Ukraine's southern ports, severely impacting its agricultural sector.
- The offer follows a reported US request for Ukraine to cease attacks on tankers that impact American companies.
- Ukraine recently conducted a large-scale attack on the Russian port of Novorossiysk, claiming to have destroyed multiple warships.
- A previous Black Sea grain initiative, brokered by Turkey and the UN, ended in July 2023 when Russia refused to renew it.