Russia on Tuesday accused Ukraine of terrorism over its escalating attacks on shipping in the Sea of Azov, a route that handles about a quarter of its grain exports.
Ukrainian Drone Attacks
Ukrainian drones hit 11 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov overnight, Kyiv’s drone forces commander said. The targets included five tankers, five dry cargo vessels, and a tugboat, bringing the total number of vessels struck in the past nine days to 116.
Industry sources told Reuters that several grain ships were hit on July 13 and July 14 and caught fire. A Ukrainian military source said the Ukrainian Armed Forces strike only military targets or targets that contribute to strengthening Russia’s combat capability.
Russia has stepped up its strikes on Ukrainian Black Sea ports since the end of last year, and Ukrainian officials say ports in the Odesa region could see their monthly grain export capacity cut by as much as one-third.
Shipping Restrictions
Shipping in the Sea of Azov remained restricted on Tuesday, according to Reuters sources. Commercial vessels were unable to enter or leave the Sea of Azov via the Kerch Strait or the Azov-Don channel connecting the sea with the Don River.
Russia will fully meet its grain export commitments to foreign partners despite the situation in the Sea of Azov, Russia’s Union of Grain Exporters and Producers said.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
