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Ukraine's Azov Sea ship attacks threaten Russian grain exports
Russia has described Ukraine's attacks on shipping in the Sea of Azov as terrorism. Ukraine rejected the accusations, insisting it only strikes military targets.
As Ukrainian forces intensify attacks on Russian ships in the Sea of Azov, Russia has accused them of terrorism. Moscow stressed that this sea route carries about a quarter of the country's grain exports.
Commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Forces Robert Brovdi announced that a total of 11 Russian ships were hit overnight in the Sea of Azov, including 5 tankers, 5 dry cargo ships and a tugboat. Brovdi reported that the number of ships hit in the last nine days has reached 116.
Lavrov Accuses Ukraine of 'Terrorism'
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Ukraine's actions go beyond piracy. Lavrov stated, "Even pirates loot the spoils and keep them for themselves. Here, the aim is only to harm and intimidate. This is outright terrorism."
Industry sources speaking to Reuters news agency reported that several grain ships were hit and caught fire on July 13 and 14. A source who asked not to be named said, "They are sitting there like targets in front of a firing squad. In a few days, there won't be any undamaged vessels left in the Sea of Azov, only damaged ones."
Ukraine: Our Targets Are Military
The Ukrainian side rejected the accusations, claiming its armed forces only strike military targets or elements that strengthen Russia's war capability. A Ukrainian military source stated that civilian cargoes are not among these targets.
The same source suggested that Russia is using the allegations of attacks on civilian ships as a pretext to justify its own strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.
Grain Export Route Shift Under Consideration
Ship traffic in the Sea of Azov remained restricted as of Tuesday. It was reported that commercial vessels could not enter or exit the sea via the Kerch Strait or the Azov-Don Canal.
While Russia's Agriculture Ministry did not confirm the traffic restrictions, it acknowledged that exports could be redirected to other routes. The ministry stated, "Given Russia's significant capacity for transshipment, supply logistics will be rerouted as needed."
Grain exporters indicated that cargoes could be shifted to deep-water terminals in the Black Sea or to Baltic Sea ports. The Russian Union of Grain Exporters and Producers announced that despite the situation in the Sea of Azov, grain export commitments to foreign partners will be fully met.
As the harvest of the new crop begins in Russia's southern regions, local officials stressed that the main goal is to minimize the impact of temporary logistical difficulties on farmers.
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