Russia is stepping up its attacks on Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea as a warning against exporting grain through the region after it decided to exit a humanitarian deal.
Additionally, a White House official revealed that the United States government has information that Moscow plans to expand its attack on grain facilities even further. They noted that Russia would soon include commercial shipping in the Black Sea as a target of its deliberate assaults.
Russia Attacks Ukrainian Ports
American officials also accused Russia of planning a "false flag" operation to shift the blame to Ukraine for any attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea. Despite Moscow backing out of the grain export deal, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan still rely on each other's support.
The situation comes as the United Nations joined Turkey in brokering the grain export deal between Russia and Ukraine. But now, the price of wheat remains high amid concerns about instability in the Black Sea and disruption to the grain supply, as per the New York Times.
However, analysts expect no hostilities to escalate at sea, despite various threats from Ukraine and Russia. Aid experts also warned that any disruption of Kyiv's grain exports would most likely make it much more difficult for countries experiencing hunger.
The situation comes as Moscow issued a warning that shipping companies will now be crossing the Russian blockade in the Black Sea at their peril. Kyiv, on the other hand, issued its warning on Thursday. It noted that ships heading to Russian ports or ports in occupied Ukraine would be considered carrying military cargo, with all corresponding risks.
US officials also warned that Russia is believed to have placed mines in sea routes in areas that Ukraine has already mined to deter an amphibious assault. A spokesman for the National Security Council, John Kirby, said that this aims to implicate Ukraine should a civilian ship in the region be damaged.
Black Sea Grain Export Deal
In response to Russia backing out of the grain export deal, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that he "deeply" regretted the decision. According to CNBC, he argued that the termination of the initiative marks the end of a "lifeline" for hundreds of millions of people across the globe who are facing hunger and those who are suffering from spiraling food costs.
On the other hand, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell issued a statement saying that Russia's decision would only threaten global food security. He said they are confident it would create a big food crisis across various nations.
A U.S.-based think tank, the Institute for the Study of War, said on Wednesday that the recent attacks are believed to have been done to reaffirm Russia's objections to the renewal of the Black Sea grain deal.
Officials added that Moscow's attacks had destroyed roughly 60,000 tons of grain and damaged storage infrastructure. According to BBC, Ukrainian Agriculture Minister Mykola Solskyi said they now have a "considerable amount" of export infrastructure out of operation.
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