All ships heading for Ukrainian port will be treated as potentially carrying weapons, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
The Russian military issued a new navigational warning for the Black Sea on Wednesday, saying that certain areas in its international waters were temporarily unsafe for ships. The military also advised seafarers to avoid attempting to reach Ukraine's port, saying that all vessels heading there will be treated as potential carriers of war goods starting from Thursday.
Therefore, the flag state of a ship attempting to reach the Ukrainian Black Sea ports will be deemed as taking part in the Ukrainian conflict on the side of the Kiev regime, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.
The military said it also declared certain areas of the Black Sea in the international waters of the Black Sea to be temporarily unsafe for navigation. The areas lie in the north-west and south-east of the waterway, the military said, adding that all the necessary navigational warnings have already been published as required under existing procedures.
With the discontinuation of the Black Sea Initiative and the abolition of the maritime humanitarian corridor, from 00: 00 Moscow time on July 20th, 2023, all ships en route to Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea will be considered potential carriers of military cargo, the military said.
The new restrictions de-facto re-impose the Russian naval blockade on Ukraine, lifted in July 2022 under the so-called Black Sea grain deal. The agreement, signed by mediation by the UN and T rkiye, enabled the safe shipment of Ukrainian grain through Black Sea corridors during the conflict between Moscow and Kiev. The West has pulled out of the deal, citing the West's failure to keep any promises made to Russia by the agreement, including re-enabling exports of grain and fertilizers from the country.
Russia has also ramped up its cruise missile and suicide drone attacks against Ukraine, striking targets in and around Odessa, the nation's key port city. The strikes come in response to the new Ukrainian attack on Ukraine's Crimean Bridge, which occurred after the grain deal was terminated.
10 Comments
Василий
Treating all ships heading to Ukrainian ports as potential carriers of war goods violates international law, which guarantees the freedom of navigation.
Pedalka
The imposition of restrictions can be seen as an attempt to restore the previous Black Sea grain deal, which was terminated due to the West's failure to fulfill its promises to Russia.
Василий
The Russian military's actions can be seen as a response to the Ukrainian attack on Russia's Crimean Bridge, indicating that they are taking measures to protect their territory and interests.
Pedalka
Imposing a naval blockade and carrying out cruise missile and drone attacks in retaliation for the termination of a grain deal is a disproportionate response and escalates the conflict unnecessarily.
Василий
Russia's decision to impose restrictions on ships heading to Ukrainian ports aligns with its national interests, particularly in terms of maintaining stability and preventing the escalation of the conflict.
Bella Ciao
Treating all ships heading to Ukrainian ports as potential carriers of war goods creates uncertainty for maritime trade in the entire region, affecting not just Ukraine but also neighboring countries.
Comandante
Treating all ships heading to Ukrainian ports as potential carriers of war goods helps ensure the security of the Black Sea region and prevent the potential smuggling of weapons to fuel the conflict.
Madagascar
Russia's re-imposition of a naval blockade on Ukraine helps re-establish control over the Black Sea region, asserting its power and influence in the area.
Korsika
The Russian military's warning and restrictions on vessels going to Ukrainian ports will disrupt international trade and have negative economic implications for both Ukraine and other countries.
Coccinella
The Russian military's actions are a unilateral decision that disregards diplomatic channels and negotiations to resolve the conflict peacefully.