Russia said Wednesday that it will now consider all vessels nearing Ukraine’s ports to be potential carriers of military cargo from Thursday.
The announcement comes days after Moscow pulled out of a deal allowing wartime exports of Ukrainian grain that had eased a global food crisis sparked by Russia's invasion.
"From 00:00 a.m. Moscow time on July 20, 2023, all vessels on the Black Sea sailing to Ukrainian ports will be regarded as potential carriers of military cargo," the Defense Ministry said in a statement on its Telegram channel.
“The flag states of such vessels will be considered involved in the Ukrainian conflict on the side of the Kyiv regime,” it added.
Kyiv also accused Russia on Wednesday of deliberately striking its Black Sea deal grain facilities in Odesa and destroying tons of food.
"Russian terrorists deliberately targeted the grain deal infrastructure, and every Russian missile is a blow not only to Ukraine, but to everyone in the world who wants a normal and safe life," Zelensky said on social media.
Zelensky previously said ship owners had expressed readiness to continue supplying grain through the Black Sea corridor with Ukraine and Turkey’s approval despite Russia’s withdrawal from the deal.
Moscow withdrew from the grain deal earlier this week, citing obstacles to Russia’s own grain and fertilizer exports and accusing Kyiv of using the Black Sea grain corridor for "combat purposes."
Russia also said Tuesday it would lift "safe navigation guarantees" for cargo ships in the Black Sea.
AFP contributed reporting.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
