Britain says Russia may target civilian shipping with mines in Black Sea

UK intelligence has revealed that Russia may use sea mines to target civilian shipping in the Black Sea. Their goal would be to disrupt the export of Ukrainian grains passing through the “humanitarian corridor” implemented in August, according to a statement. The text also highlights that the Russians are ready to blame their rival for any attacks on civilian ships. “Russia certainly wants to avoid openly sinking civilian ships; instead, it will falsely blame Ukraine for any attacks on vessels in the Black Sea,” they said.

In the statement, the British agency also emphasized that the UK’s maritime security level for Ukrainian ports and waters remains at a very high alert due to the threat posed by Russia. The UK had reported that the Russian military had attempted a missile attack on a cargo ship in the Black Sea without specifying the date of the incident.

According to UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, Russian President Vladimir Putin demonstrates “complete disregard” for civilian lives and the needs of the world’s most vulnerable, as Ukrainian grains often go to countries facing hunger. “The world is watching, and we see through Russia’s cynical attempts to blame Ukraine for its attacks. We and our allies are united against Putin and his attempts to harm Ukraine and, by extension, the rest of the world,” he declared.

The Russian plans are part of a pattern of Russian aggression in the Black Sea, according to the British. Since the country left the grain agreement in July, Ukrainian ports and civilian infrastructure have been constant targets of attacks. With the end of the Black Sea pact, the Russians have already damaged 130 port infrastructure facilities in Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Reni and destroyed nearly 300,000 tons of grains. Before the Russian invasion, Ukraine fed 400 million people globally and accounted for 8% to 10% of global wheat exports and 10% to 12% of corn and barley exports.

Source: BroadCast Agro

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