Ukraine has proposed a temporary halt to attacks on civilian shipping and port infrastructure in the Black Sea, seeking to reduce growing risks to commercial vessels and agricultural exports as strikes involving Russian and Ukrainian targets intensify.

Kyiv conveyed the proposal to Moscow through a third party and is awaiting a response, according to a source familiar with the matter cited by Reuters.

The initiative comes amid increasing attacks on ships and port facilities, raising fresh concerns about the security of a crucial route for global agricultural trade. Russia and Ukraine are both major suppliers to international food markets and have repeatedly accused each other of escalating attacks involving commercial and agricultural shipping.

Ukraine Seeks Protection for Black Sea Shipping

The proposed truce is aimed at protecting civilian vessels and port infrastructure from further attacks while maintaining the movement of agricultural commodities.

Ukraine has increasingly relied on alternative shipping routes as international shipowners have reduced or suspended calls at ports in the Odesa region following attacks on foreign-flagged vessels and port facilities, according to Ukrainian officials and shipping sources.

The disruption comes at a sensitive time for Ukraine's agricultural sector, which depends heavily on access to Black Sea and Danube routes to export grain and other commodities.

Russia Says No Formal Proposal Received

The proposal has yet to receive a formal response from Moscow.

Russian officials have previously said that they had heard calls for various moratoriums and ceasefires through different channels but had not received formal proposals.

The Russian position could determine whether the latest Ukrainian initiative develops into a temporary arrangement for protecting commercial shipping.

Turkey has also been involved in diplomatic efforts surrounding Black Sea security. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that a proposal had been conveyed to Russia and Ukraine for both sides to declare a moratorium on attacks in the Black Sea.

Grain Exports Under Pressure

The escalating security situation is already affecting agricultural trade.

Ukraine's grain exports have reportedly fallen sharply in August, with the country's agricultural sector warning that prolonged disruption could have serious consequences for the wider economy.

The Black Sea is particularly important for Ukraine because it provides access to international markets for wheat, corn and other agricultural commodities.

Any sustained reduction in exports could also affect global supply chains and food prices, particularly in countries that depend on Black Sea agricultural products.

Strike Hits Izmail Port

The latest developments came after Russia struck Izmail, Ukraine's largest grain export port on the Danube, on Thursday.

Local authorities said the overnight attack damaged port infrastructure and caused a fire. Power supplies in parts of the southeastern area of the city were also affected.

Izmail, located near the Romanian border in Ukraine's Odesa region, is a major export hub for grain and other commodities. The port has become increasingly important as Ukraine seeks alternatives to traditional Black Sea shipping routes.

The attack has added to concerns among traders and shipping companies about the safety of Ukrainian export infrastructure.

Global Food Supply Concerns

The renewed attacks are being closely watched by agricultural markets because Russia and Ukraine remain important suppliers to global food markets.

European wheat prices reacted to the news of Ukraine's proposal, with September wheat contracts on Euronext turning lower after earlier gains.

For Ukraine, protecting maritime trade is also critical to maintaining agricultural revenues and supporting the country's economy during the ongoing war.

A temporary Black Sea truce could therefore provide some relief to shipping companies and exporters, but its success would depend on both sides agreeing to the terms and maintaining the arrangement.

For now, Kyiv is awaiting Moscow's response to the proposal, while continued attacks on ports and commercial infrastructure keep the security of Black Sea trade under pressure.