Russia wants to maintain its ability to launch strikes on Ukrainian cities and ports from the Black Sea.

Axar.az reports this was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"Today’s Russian strike included missiles launched from the Black Sea. Our partners know exactly which vessels they were launched from and which part of the sea the launch took place.

This is one of the reasons why Russia distorts diplomacy, why it refuses an unconditional ceasefire: they want to retain the ability to strike from the sea at our cities and ports. A ceasefire at sea is not only about free navigation and food supplies – it’s primarily about overall security and the path to peace," he noted.