Russia's Foreign Ministry on Friday dismissed the idea of a ceasefire with Ukraine in the Black Sea, saying it saw no grounds for "half-measures" that would offer a respite to Ukrainian forces.
Both Russia and Ukraine have stepped up attacks against commercial ships in the Black Sea in recent weeks, which has driven world grain prices higher.
In a statement, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of "brazen acts of terrorism" against shipping while making no mention of Russia's own attacks.
"We view these attacks as a deliberate policy aimed at destabilizing civilian shipping in the Black Sea region, to escalate tensions further and prolong the conflict, all with the blatant acquiescence of regional neighbors," Zakharova said.
"At the same time, we see no signs of improvement in the situation and, consequently, no grounds for half-measures that merely grant the Kyiv regime temporary breathing space," she added.
