20-7-2023 (WASHINGTON) The White House has issued a warning that Russia may escalate its attacks on Ukrainian grain facilities to target civilian shipping in the Black Sea. According to Adam Hodge, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, US officials have received information indicating that Russia has laid additional sea mines in the approaches to Ukrainian ports. Hodge stated that this move is a coordinated effort by Russia to justify its attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea and to blame Ukraine for these attacks.
Russia has announced that all ships heading to Ukrainian ports in Black Sea waters will be considered potential carriers of military cargo, and Hodge said that US information indicates that Russia has already laid additional sea mines in the approaches to Ukrainian ports. Hodge also revealed that Russia has targeted Ukraine’s grain export ports in Odesa with missiles and drones on July 18 and 19, resulting in the destruction of agricultural infrastructure and 60,000 tons of grain.
Despite the attacks, Ukraine has vowed to continue its efforts to keep grain exports moving out of its Black Sea ports. On Wednesday, Ukraine accused Russia of launching “hellish” overnight strikes focused on two of its Black Sea ports, causing damage to its grain export infrastructure. Ukraine has refused to be intimidated by these attacks and said it will continue to work to keep its grain exports moving.
This latest escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has raised concerns about the safety of civilian shipping in the Black Sea.
