During one and half yearHE Black SeaIt is shared by six states, three of which are NATO members. relatively on the edge The story of the hostilities that took place on the territory of Ukraine after the Russian invasion: events the occasional sea, bombing of port infrastructurebut not much else. back off Russia grain compactAllowing Ukraine to safely export grain from riparian ports, the US reclaimed it a certain peace. have increased in the last few weeks. marine events Between Russian warships and cargo ships in international waters the voices are getting louder To intervene and prevent the Atlantic Alliance Kremlin naval blockade translate hunger in the world inside weapon of war and it will suffocate the agricultural sector, which is vital to Ukraine’s survival as a state.
“Most of the grains” were exported current deal From Prensa Ibérica to El Periódico she explained that until recently “wheat in particular” went to “developing countries”: Carlos Mera, Head of Commodity Markets Research at Rabobank. By July this year, the World Food Program (WFP), a UN agency that distributes food to long-term refugees and displaced persons, was getting 80% of the wheat used in food programs from Ukraine. According to data from the defunct Black Sea Initiative, 65% of Ukrainian wheat using the shipping corridor was going to “developing countries”. In 2021, before the war started, agriculture made up about 11% of Ukraine’s GDP; this figure dropped significantly after the start of hostilities.
Assembly proof
Given the growing evidence that Russia is trying to strangle the attacked country’s economy and that alternative routes for grain production are certain, Danube Riverwith rail up Romania or by road– both the Kiev authorities and NATO itself began to develop alternative plans and strategies. In mid-August, the State Service for Naval and Inland Navigation announced the establishment of a “temporary corridor” for civilian ships leaving ports. Odessa, Chornomorsk And pivdennyiThe same ports were included in the defunct Black Sea initiative. This agency also warned of the risks to navigation in such conditions, particularly the possibility of mines or hijacking by Russian warships. In the broker’s announcement, it was stated that only the captains of ships that agreed to sail under “similar conditions” would be authorized to sail. In order not to give reasons to the Russian side, Oleh Chalykspokesperson ukrainian navyannounced that “cameras will be placed on all ships” to show that he is the only one”humanitarian mission The first ship to use this new navigation route, non-military Joseph Schultea container ship 94,000 tons The Hong Kong-flagged ship passed through Turkey and arrived in Istanbul on 18 August. international waters no news.
But the increase in the number of maritime accidents carried out by the Russian Navy has increased the risks. a climb. In mid-August, Russian forces opened fire on the cargo ship. Sukru Okanrelated to 2155 tonsDeparting for the Ukrainian port of Izmail, the ship assured that it refused to stop for inspection. Russian soldiers boarded the ship from a helicopter and forced the crew to kneel on the command bridge with guns ready. tense scene It was finally resolved when it turned out to be a civilian ship.
“Piracy”
The incident at sea caused alarm in NATO. retired admiral James StavridisThe former commander of the allied forces in Europe from 2009 to 2013 described these actions as “equivalent to piracy” and said their aim was to undermine the EU. Ukraine trade relations in such a way as to elicit a reaction from its partners Atlantic Alliance. “If Russia starts to find a solution ships Ah scare them And threaten them“I think NATO will most likely respond by supporting a humanitarian corridor for navigation,” he surmised. NATO “could protect ships with or without military aircraft.” sea escorthe continued.
No matter what, a reality imposes itself day by day. Military activities in the waters and shores of the Black Sea are increasing; Constant bombardment, attacks, and exchanges between Ukrainian and Russian forces have crossed these waters.battlefield For NATO, the West is as important as Ukraine,” he admitted to the New York Times. Ivo DaalderFormer NATO ambassador heads think tank Chicago Global Issues Council. Thus, the NATO-Ukraine Council took the following decision: last July 26Surveillance flights with unmanned aerial vehicles over the Black Sea will be increased.