From July 20, 00:00, Russia will impose a new supply in the Black Sea. Ships passing through the Black Sea were warned through a statement from the Ministry of Defense.

“From 00:00 Moscow time on July 20, 2023, all ships sailing in Black Sea waters bound for Ukrainian ports will be considered as potential military cargo,” it warned.

“The flag countries of these ships will be considered part of the conflict,” he added.

An explosion collapsed the strategic bridge between Russia and Crimea

This measure was taken after withdrawal from the agreement that guaranteed the export of grain from Ukraine through the Black Sea.

Vladimir Putin indicated that he is ready to replace Ukrainian grain with Russian all over the world.

“I want to make sure that our country is able to replace Ukrainian grain both commercially and for free, especially when, as reported by the (agricultural) minister, we expect another record harvest,” Putin said during a meeting with the government.

He estimated that Russia harvested 156 million tons of grain last year, of which 60 million was exported, including 48 tons of wheat.

“Russia’s weight in the world wheat market is 20%, while Ukraine’s is less than 5%. These numbers say it all. Russia in particular makes a colossal contribution to global food security,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, he added, “any claim that only Ukrainian grain feeds the hungry around the world is speculation and a lie.”

The port city of Odessa has also been the target of shelling for two nights. Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky accused Russia of “deliberately” targeting grain export infrastructure, creating supply risks in the most vulnerable countries.

Ukraine is proposing to create UN-mandated international military patrols to ensure the security of its grain exports through the Black Sea, following Russia’s withdrawal from an agreement on the issue, an adviser to the Ukrainian presidency told AFP on Wednesday.

“We should add a UN mandate to create military patrols” with the participation of Black Sea countries such as Turkey and Bulgaria, Mikhailo Podoliak said.