Russia could attack civilian ships carrying Ukrainian grain

Russia could attack civilian ships carrying Ukrainian grain in the Black Sea in escalation of campaign against Kyiv after its devastating bombardment of Odesa, Foreign Secretary says

• ‘Unconscionable behaviour’ will be highlighted at UN Security Council

Britain’s Foreign Secretary fears Russia could attack any vessels carrying Ukrainian grain in a desperate bid to weaponise food supplies.

James Cleverly said the UK will ‘highlight this unconscionable behaviour’ at the United Nations Security Council.

He was speaking after Russian drones attacked Ukrainian ports on the River Danube, destroying grain storage infrastructure.

The facilities were just across the river from Romania, which is a UK-ally and a NATO member.

The Danube is a key export route for Ukrainian grain since Russia pulled out of a deal allowing the country to ship wheat and other products via the Black Sea.

James Cleverly tweeted: ‘Russia should stop holding global food supplies hostage and return to the deal’ (File Photo)

A damaged port infrastructure on the Danube River in the Odesa region, southern Ukraine, on July 24, 2023

Mr Cleverly tweeted: ‘The UK believes Russia may escalate its campaign to destroy Ukraine’s food exports by targeting civilian ships in the Black Sea.

‘Russia should stop holding global food supplies hostage and return to the deal.’

Russia also destroyed a grain depot in the Black Sea port city of Odesa.

At least 60,000 tonnes of Ukrainian grain have been destroyed in recent attacks.

Officials say more than 60,000 tonnes of grain have been destroyed in the past week.

Exporting grain is a major revenue contributor to the Ukrainian economy, which has collapsed since the Russian invasion.

Source: Read Full Article