Kyiv Gives Mirror Response to Moscow’s Threats Regarding Navigation in Black Sea

Ukraine has warned about the risks to navigation in the areas of the northeastern part of the Black Sea and the Kerch-Yenikal Strait. This is reported by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

The corresponding statement was made in response to the actions of the aggressor state, which on 19 July announced a de facto naval blockade of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military command noted that Russia had once again brutally violated the universal right to free navigation for the whole world and was deliberately undermining food security, condemning millions of people to starvation.

“Openly threatening civilian ships which carry food from Ukrainian ports, launching missile attacks and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure in peaceful cities, deliberately creating a military threat on trade routes, the Kremlin has turned the Black Sea into a danger zone, primarily for Russian ships and ships heading to the waters of the Black Sea in the direction of seaports of the Russian Federation and Ukrainian seaports located in the territory of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russia. The responsibility for all risks rests entirely with the Russian leadership,” the statement reads.

The military noted that the fate of the Russian cruiser Moskva proves that the Defence Forces of Ukraine have the necessary means to repel Russian aggression at sea.

“The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine warns that from 00:00 on 21 July 2023, all vessels heading to the waters of the Black Sea in the direction of seaports of the Russian Federation and Ukrainian seaports located in the territory of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russia may be considered by Ukraine as those carrying military goods with all the corresponding risks,” the military emphasised.

Also, from 05:00 on 20 July 2023, navigation in the areas of the northeastern part of the Black Sea and the Kerch-Yenikal Strait of Ukraine is prohibited as dangerous.

“Relevant navigational information for seafarers has already been made public,” the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine added.

As a reminder, on 17 July, the Russian Federation announced its withdrawal from the “grain deal” and withdrew security guarantees in the Black Sea. Since then, Russia has been striking Ukrainian ports for several days in a row.

Bohdan Marusyak