The UN warned about rising military action in the Black Sea after Russia performed a live fire exercise in the strategic waterway.
Video Credits: The Telegraph
Moscow declared that ships heading to Ukraine would be considered potential military targets. Officials stated that Russia also hit the Ukrainian grain ports, particularly the Port of Odesa, for the fourth night in a row, targeting grain silos.
Talking to the UN Security Council, of which Russia is a member, a representative for political affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, stated that threatening to target and attack civilian ships in the Black Sea is unacceptable.
However, after turning down the grain deal that facilitated the safe shipment of grains from Ukraine, Russia has been attacking the former’s grain supplies and crucial infrastructure in the southern ports like Odesa and Mykolaiv.
Regional Governor Oleg Kiper said that Russians Targeted Odesa Port with Kalibr Cruise Missiles from the Black Sea.
Video Credits: Hindustan Times
He also said that the main target is grain silos. Also, 100 tonnes of peas and 20 tonnes of barley were destroyed, Kiper added, saying that two people were also injured in the attack.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that these attacks impact not only Ukraine.
“We are already seeing the negative effect on global wheat and corn prices which hurts everyone, but especially vulnerable people in the global south,” Guterres added,
UNESCO expressed disappointment at attacks on Odesa, saying that a preliminary assessment “revealed damage to several museums inside the World Heritage property.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to get revenge after an attack by Ukraine damaged a bridge connecting the annexed Crimea to Russia, killing two.
Moscow’s defence ministry mentioned that a boat “carried out live firing of anti-ship cruise missiles at the target ship” in the northwestern part of the Black Sea.
“The target ship was destroyed due to a missile strike,” the ministry stated.
Amidst all this, Russia is also conducting a joint exercise with the Chinese Navy in the Sea of Japan.
The Russian government said on Wednesday that it would treat cargo vessels heading to Ukraine through the Black Sea as potential military targets.
In response, Ukraine has also warned that it would consider ships going to Russian Ports as those carrying military cargo, with all associated risks.
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine are at an all-time high.
Ukraine mentioned that it would continue to export grains from its southern ports even if Russia has backed out from the deal and has called upon its allies and Western nations, including the UN, to ensure a secure passage for its cargo by conducting joint patrols in the region for countering Russia.
References: themoscowtimes, arabnews, bloomberg
Russia-Ukraine Tensions At An All-Time High As Russia Carries Out Live Fire Exercise In The Black Sea appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide
Source: Maritime Shipping News