Russia threatens to consider countries sending vessels to Ukrainian ports as 'involved in war'
Russia threatens to "engage in war" countries whose ships will be sent to Ukrainian ports (Getty Images)
Russia will allegedly consider countries whose vessels are heading to Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea as "involved in the war", starting from July 20, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, propagandist media RIA-Novosti report.
The statement reads that all vessels heading to Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea will be regarded as "potential carriers of military cargo."
"Consequently, the flag countries of such ships will be considered involved in the 'Ukrainian conflict' on the side of the 'Kyiv regime'," the Russian Ministry of Defense adds.
Russia's withdrawal from the grain deal
Over the past few months, Russia deliberately blocked the grain deal functioning which allowed Ukraine to export its food products through the Black Sea.
The agreements were set to expire on July 17. On the same day, Russia announced its withdrawal from the grain deal claiming that its conditions were allegedly not being met.
After that, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered Turkey and the UN to continue exports through the Black Sea, despite Moscow's decision. The head of state noted that he is now waiting for a clear plan for grain transportation, which the Ukrainian government should draw up together with the military.
