KYIV: Russia has issued a veiled warning about the future of grain exports through the Black Sea after refusing to extend a crucial agreement allowing safe passage for cargo ships from Ukrainian ports. The caution comes as Ukraine reports that a Russian strike has damaged facilities at the southern port of Odesa, one of the main transit hubs for grain under the agreement signed with the UN and Turkey.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that without appropriate security guarantees, certain risks arise in the Black Sea. He further suggested that if a new arrangement allowing exports is formalized without Russia, these risks should be taken into account. Peskov also accused Ukraine of using the Black Sea export corridor for combat purposes.
In response to Moscow’s exit from the agreement, Russia informed Turkey that the coordination center overseeing the deal would be disbanded, and “safe navigation guarantees” for cargo ships in the Black Sea would be lifted.
The recent strike on Odesa by Russia was allegedly in retaliation for a Ukrainian attack on the Crimea bridge, a crucial transit artery connecting Russia’s mainland to the annexed peninsula. Russia claimed that Ukrainian naval and security forces used seaborne drones to target the bridge, prompting its counterstrike.
Russia Strikes Ukraine’s Odesa Region
While Ukraine’s military reported destroying six Kalibr missiles and 21 Iran-built attack drones targeted at the Odesa region, the assault overnight caused damage to port infrastructure facilities and private homes, according to Ukraine’s military southern command. The Ukrainian Air Force also claimed to have destroyed 31 of the 36 drones launched by Russia overnight.
The Odesa region plays a significant role in the export deal between Russia and Ukraine, facilitating the shipment of over 32 million tonnes of Ukrainian grain over the past year. Russia’s decision to exit the agreement comes after months of complaints that certain provisions related to the export of Russian food and fertilizers were not honored.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to quit the grain accord was criticized by French President Emmanuel Macron, who called it a “huge mistake” and accused Putin of “weaponizing food.” Despite Russia’s exit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is prepared to continue exporting grain via the Black Sea.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensifies, both sides have launched offensives. Russian forces are pounding Ukrainian positions near the eastern town of Lyman, while Ukraine has been slow in its progress and has called for additional support from the United States and allies in terms of long-range weapons and artillery.
