Ukrainian Armed Forces consider ship halting in Black Sea by Russia 'demonstration of aggression'
Shelling of a cargo ship by Russians in the Black Sea not yet confirmed (photo: Getty Images)
Russian Defense Ministry's statement about the shelling and search of the cargo ship "Sukra Okan," which reportedly was heading to the port of Izmail, is currently not confirmed, said Natalia Humeniuk, the Head of the United Coordinating Press Center of Security and Defense Forces of the South of Ukraine, referring to a telethon broadcast.
According to the Head of the United Coordinating Press Center of Security and Defense Forces of the South of Ukraine, no other official source apart from the Russian Ministry of Defense has commented on the halting of the civilian ship by Russia. Therefore, according to Humeniuk, this could be an element of hybrid warfare.
"Today, we have only one thing - a demonstration of aggression by the Russian Ministry of Defense. They are trying with all their might to mark their dominance in the Black Sea: as if they can stop a ship, raise aviation, and nothing will happen to them for it. Like, inspect and release," Humeniuk added.
At the same time, the head of the press center believes that the Russian statements could be a signal that Russia poses a threat to civilian navigation in the Black Sea.
Russia halts foreign ship in the Black Sea
On August 13, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that it had halted a foreign ship in the Black Sea. The ship purportedly was en route to the port of Izmail in the Odesa region.
According to Russia, one of its military vessels fired "warning shots" at the cargo ship in the Black Sea after it allegedly failed to respond to demands to stop.
Türkiye's reaction
Türkiye is aware of the incident involving a foreign ship halted by Russian military in the Black Sea.
A spokesperson for the Turkish Ministry of Defense stated that they are aware of the incident related to a ship en route to Romania and confirmed that official authorities are investigating it.
Ukraine's reaction
Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Mykhailo Podolyak, stated that Russia conducted a deliberate shelling to halt a civilian ship in the Black Sea.
He emphasized that this constitutes an act of piracy.
What preceded this?
Russia announced its withdrawal from the "grain deal" citing alleged non-compliance with its demands. Meanwhile, Russian occupiers began shelling Odesa, targeting the port and port infrastructure.
The last ship with Ukrainian products left the port of Odesa on July 16.
Following its withdrawal from the "grain deal," Russia threatened to sink ships heading to Ukrainian ports. In response, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense issued a similar warning, stating that all vessels en route to Russian ports or ports in temporarily occupied territories would be treated as carrying military cargo.
On August 10, the Ukrainian Naval Forces announced that Ukraine had opened corridors in the Black Sea for commercial vessels.
