Defense analysts from the UK reveal Russia's Black Sea Fleet is positioning itself to blockade Ukrainian ports after Moscow pulled out of the grain deal after it expired last week.
British intelligence reports from its Ministry of Defense detailed Wednesday (July 26) the Russian corvette Sergei Kotov is already patrolling the route between the Bosphorus and the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, which has experienced multiple missile attacks in the past few days.
"There is a realistic possibility that it will form part of a task group to intercept commercial vessels Russia believes are heading to Ukraine," the report stated.
The grain deal was struck to help secure supply for countries relying on grain from the war-torn country. Under the terms of the agreement, Ukrainian grain was exported via the Black Sea and Turkey's Bosphorus Strait. With the expiry of the deal, fears of famine in poorer countries would become greater.
Ukraine is considered the "breadbasket of Europe" before the Russian invasion, exporting 95% of its grain to the world. Since then, wheat and corn prices sharply rose worldwide, the Kyiv Independent reported.
Gunboats vs. Grain Ships
The end of the grain agreement also increased the chances of a major armed conflict in the Black Sea area, the British report added.
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly warned Tuesday (July 25) that Russia might "escalate its campaign to destroy Ukraine's food exports" by targeting civilian ships in the Black Sea.
The British Ministry of Defense has been publishing daily information on the course of the Russo-Ukrainian War since it escalated in February 2022. On the other hand, the Kremlin accused Whitehall of conducting a disinformation campaign.