Germany Calls for Black Sea Ceasefire to Protect Grain Shipments

(MENAFN) Germany urged Russia on Wednesday to stop attacks in the Black Sea and agree to a truce protecting civilian vessels, warning that continued strikes could worsen food insecurity across Africa and further damage Moscow’s standing among countries of the Global South.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul made the appeal during a joint news conference in Berlin with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova, following discussions on regional developments and security in the Black Sea.

“If Russia continues these attacks, it does so at the expense of people in the Global South — primarily people in Africa,” Wadephul said. “These people are suffering as a result, and they face the threat of hunger.”

He warned that attacks on civilian vessels, particularly ships transporting grain, posed serious risks to human lives and food supplies in vulnerable regions. Such operations could also deepen Russia’s diplomatic isolation, he added.

“Russia will need to be very careful not to lose what remains of its reputation in this region by once again expanding the theater of war in the Black Sea,” Wadephul said. “That is why I reiterate the clear appeal: we need a ceasefire in the Black Sea for civilian shipments, particularly of grain.”

The German foreign minister said Black Sea countries were prepared to engage with Russia and Ukraine in discussions aimed at establishing a ceasefire. The proposed arrangement would seek to protect civilian shipping routes and ensure grain exports continue reaching countries dependent on these supplies.

Wadephul stressed that Moscow now had to decide whether it was prepared to consider the consequences of its actions for its international relationships and broader interests.

“It is now up to Russia to show whether it is willing to weigh its relations with the countries of the Global South — and its own interests — in a way that can save lives,” he said.

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