Investing.com - In a move that could potentially escalate the global food supply crisis, Russia has issued an ominous warning against ships bound for Ukraine's Black Sea ports. Effective from Thursday, these vessels will be considered possible military targets. This announcement comes on the heels of Russia backing out from a safe-passage agreement earlier this week.
To counteract this development and maintain international shipping in the north-western part of the Black Sea, Ukraine is setting up a temporary shipping route via Romania - another country bordering the Black Sea. Vasyl Shkurakov, who holds office as Ukraine's acting minister for communities, territories and infrastructure development conveyed these plans to the International Shipping Organization under UN jurisdiction.
The termination of an annual pact aimed at ensuring secure passage for cargo ships through war-torn zones was prompted by Russia’s withdrawal on Monday. The final ship departed from Ukraine last Sunday. It should be noted that both countries are among the leading grain exporters globally; hence their wheat futures in the U.S. saw an unprecedented daily surge of 8.5% post-Russia's invasion on February 24th.
Russia’s Defence Ministry further stated any flag-bearing vessels en route to Ukrainian ports would be seen as conflict participants siding with Ukraine after midnight Moscow time (2100 GMT Wednesday).
Earlier this week, Russian forces launched attacks targeting the Odesa region twice which resulted in significant damage to grain terminals and various other facilities including warehouses and residential buildings.
Ukraine claims advanced weaponry like supersonic missiles were used in these assaults specifically designed to obliterate aircraft carriers thus damaging Odesa port's infrastructure severely.
These three ports located within the Odesa region remained operational throughout wartime due to a special grain deal allowing Ukrainian exports despite Russian blockades
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy revealed during his nightly address that about one million tonnes worth of food supplies stored at attacked ports were destined for nations across Africa and Asia while 60k tonnes of agricultural products set for China lay damaged following recent attacks he labelled 'Russian terror'.
U.S. officials suggest additional sea mines have been planted near Ukrainian port entries by Russia – actions they believe are part of coordinated efforts meant not only to justify civilian ship attacks but also put the blame squarely on Ukraine.
No response has yet emerged from Kremlin regarding U.S. allegations.
Meanwhile, Putin blamed Western Nations accusing them of distorting terms originally agreed upon under the UN-backed initiative known formally as the ‘Black Sea Grain Initiative’.
The IMF expressed concerns over worsening global food insecurity due to escalating prices especially within poorer nations following Russia’s exit from said deal.
Putin proposed rejoining the pact provided all conditions were met, easing rules around its exportation of food fertilizer; however western counterparts view it as merely leveraging tactic to exploit financial sanctions while still permitting the sale of Russian produce internationally.
Continuous warfare reported in eastern southern regions where an ongoing counteroffensive led by the Ukrainian army since June attempts to reclaim territory occupied by Russian forces remains unabated.