Attacks targeting civilian vessels and transport infrastructure in the Sea of Azov and Black Sea have been described by Russia as a risk to maritime transport and agricultural exports. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova argued that Ukraine had intensified its attacks in the region.
Zakharova alleged that the attacks she said were carried out with drones throughout the summer used intelligence provided by NATO and European Union countries. She said that, in addition to coastal shipping and logistics infrastructure, civilian vessels carrying grain and sunflower oil had also been targeted.
At least 100 drone attacks in July
Zakharova said Russia recorded at least 100 drone attacks in July targeting commercial vessels carrying Russian agricultural products in the Sea of Azov and Black Sea. She added that some incidents resulted in fatalities.
According to Zakharova, the attacks made it more difficult to ship prepared cargo along designated export routes. The spokesperson argued that these actions violated international law protecting the safety of civilian maritime transport.
Disruptions along export routes
Zakharova said the attacks caused delays in sending grain, oilseeds and feed products to international markets, adding that importers dependent on Russian agricultural products were also affected.
Zakharova argued that the developments could create instability in global food markets and said that the effects of rising food and fertilizer costs could be felt more severely, particularly in countries of the Global South and the East.
Security measures in the Black Sea
Zakharova said the Russian armed forces had taken measures to protect the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. She added that attacks had been carried out against facilities that, according to her, Ukrainian forces used to disrupt maritime traffic.
Zakharova said Moscow had also targeted infrastructure and vessels used to transport Western weapons and military equipment to Ukraine, and called on international organizations and other countries to assess the incidents. The spokesperson called for measures to ensure the unhindered export of agricultural products.
