Ukraine Warns Incoming Ships to Russian and Ukrainian Ports in Moscow-Occupied Black Sea Could Carry Weapons
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Ukraine Warns Incoming Ships to Russian-Occupied Black Sea Could Be Loaded with Weapons
On Thursday, Ukraine issued a warning that it would consider any ship traveling to Russian and Ukrainian ports in the Moscow-occupied Black Sea to be carrying weapons. This came in response to a threat issued by Russia the day before.
Escalation in the Black Sea Affects Global Grain Markets
The escalation in the Black Sea has had a significant impact on global grain markets. After Russia withdrew from a wartime pact that allowed Ukraine to safely send agricultural products to countries in need, the United Nations warned that this could lead to more human suffering, affecting millions of people.
Russia has been launching missile strikes at night on Ukraine’s two largest coastal cities, Odessa and Mykolaiv, since withdrawing from the agreement. The recent strikes appeared to be the most severe.
Accusations of Targeting Grain Supplies and Critical Infrastructure
Ukraine has accused Russia of targeting grain supplies and critical infrastructure related to the Black Sea Grain Initiative. This initiative was brokered a year ago by the United Nations and Turkey to address a food crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine’s defense ministry claims that their ability to repel Russian aggression at sea is demonstrated by the sinking of Russia’s command ship, the cruiser Moskva, last year.
Warning to Ships and Efforts to Secure Safe Passage
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As of July 21, 2023, Ukraine warned that it may consider all ships heading towards Russian and Ukrainian seaports in the Black Sea as carrying military cargo. Ukrainian officials are striving to create a makeshift route for grain shipments and have called on the United Nations and neighboring countries, including Turkey, to secure safe passage through joint patrols.
However, no ships have sailed from Ukrainian ports since Russia withdrew from the agreement, and insurers are hesitant to underwrite policies for trade in a war zone.
International Reactions and Impact on Grain Prices
Washington interpreted Russia’s warning to ships as a potential attack on civilian shipping, while Russia’s ambassador to the United States denied such intentions. The signal that Russia is willing to use force to re-impose its blockade on one of the world’s largest food exporters has caused global prices to soar.
Moscow has stated that it will not participate in the grain deal for a year unless better terms are offered for its food and fertilizer sales.
UN Condemns Attacks on Ukraine’s Black Sea Ports
UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, stating that the destruction of civilian infrastructure may violate international humanitarian law. The UN spokesperson highlighted that the rise in wheat and maize prices harms everyone, especially vulnerable people in the Global South.
The grain agreement allowed over 32 million tons of Ukrainian grain to be exported over the past year, providing relief to countries facing severe food shortages, such as Afghanistan, Sudan, and Yemen.
Impact on Wheat Futures and Grain Importers
The escalation in the Black Sea has caused US wheat futures to rise, following an 8.5% jump on Wednesday. Major grain importers in the Middle East and North Africa have responded calmly to the end of the safe shipping corridor, and there has been no panic buying reported by European commodities traders.