Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed that Ukraine had intensified attacks on civilian vessels and transport infrastructure in the Azov-Black Sea region.
Zakharova alleged that the attacks, which she said were carried out throughout the summer using unmanned aerial vehicles, relied on intelligence provided by NATO and European Union countries. She said the attacks targeted civilian vessels carrying grain and sunflower oil, as well as coastal shipping and logistics infrastructure.
At least 100 attacks alleged in July
Zakharova said Russia recorded at least 100 drone attacks in July against commercial vessels carrying Russian agricultural products in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. She said some incidents resulted in deaths.
Zakharova said the attacks had made it more difficult to ship prepared cargoes along designated export routes. She claimed that the actions violated international law protecting the safety of civilian maritime transport.
Delays in agricultural exports
Zakharova said the attacks had caused delays in exporting grain, oilseeds and feed products to international markets, adding that importers dependent on Russian agricultural products were also facing difficulties.
Zakharova argued that the developments could create instability in global food markets and alleged that the consequences could be felt more severely, particularly in countries of the Global South and East, because of rising food and fertilizer costs.
Russia's measures concerning maritime traffic
Zakharova said the Russian armed forces had taken measures to protect navigational safety in the Black Sea. She said attacks had been carried out against facilities that Ukrainian forces allegedly used to disrupt maritime traffic.
Zakharova said Moscow had also targeted infrastructure and vessels used to transport Western weapons and military equipment to Ukraine. She called on international organizations and other countries to assess the incidents and take measures to ensure the unobstructed export of agricultural products.
