The Ministry of Defense warned that from July 21, all vessels heading to the Black Sea in the direction of Russian seaports and temporarily occupied Ukrainian seaports may be considered by Ukraine as carrying military cargo. This statement was made by the Ministry of Defense regarding the threats posed by Russia to peaceful vessels in the grain corridor.
On July 19, Russia announced that from July 20, it would consider countries whose vessels are heading to ports in Ukraine as “participants in the conflict.”
The Ministry of Defense warned that from 00:00 on July 21, 2023, all vessels heading to the Black Sea in the direction of Russian Federation seaports and Ukrainian seaports located in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine by Russia may be considered by Ukraine as transporting military cargo, with all corresponding risks involved.
The Ministry of Defense stated that navigation in the areas of the northeastern part of the Black Sea and the Kerch-Yenikale Canal in Ukraine is prohibited as dangerous from 05:00 on July 20, 2023.
Relevant navigation information for mariners has already been published, as mentioned in the statement.
“The fate of the cruiser ‘Moskva’ proves that the Armed Forces of Ukraine have the necessary means to counter Russian aggression at sea,” emphasized the Ministry of Defense.