What was the core condition Russia set for accepting Ukraine's Black Sea shipping truce offer, according to Zelenskyy?

According to Zelenskyy, Russia rejected Ukraine's truce offer on attacks against ships carrying agricultural commodities through the Black Sea because Moscow demanded guarantees that Ukraine would stop attacking its energy infrastructure — as he stated: 'It looks like their position is that they will not attack our grain corridor only if we stop attacking their energy sector.'

Why did President Zelenskyy reject the idea of holding wartime elections in Ukraine?

Zelenskyy ruled out wartime elections, calling the idea a 'tsunami' for Ukraine and stating, 'If we want to tear the country apart, then we can move toward elections in the middle of a war like this,' emphasizing that Ukraine’s constitution prohibits elections under martial law — which has been in effect since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Zelenskyy Says Putin Rejected Black Sea Shipping Truce Offer

Aug 23, 2026

Ukraine offered a truce on Black Sea agricultural shipments, but Russia rejected it demanding guarantees against energy infrastructure strikes. Attacks on ports and refineries threaten global wheat exports and energy security.

bloomberg

2026-08-23

Zelenskyy Says Putin Rejected Black Sea Shipping Truce Offer

Zelenskyy Says Putin Rejected Black Sea Shipping Truce Offer

FAQ