According to British intelligence, after withdrawing from the ‘grain deal,’ Russia deployed the corvette ‘Sergey Kotov’ to the southern part of the Black Sea. Foreign experts believe that this could indicate a potential increase in the risks of violence at sea.
Source: UK Ministry of Defence.
Intelligence revealed the reason for the deployment of the Russian corvette to the Black Sea
Foreign intelligence managed to ascertain that the corvette ‘Sergey Kotov’ was stationed in the southern part of the Black Sea.
Currently, it is ‘patrolling’ the shipping route between the Bosporus Strait and Odessa. Intelligence suggests that there is a possibility that this corvette will join an operational group for intercepting commercial vessels that Russia believes are heading towards Ukraine.
According to foreign experts, the ‘grain deal’ did indeed prevent the outbreak of hostilities in the Black Sea for a prolonged period of time. British intelligence issued a warning that as of today, there is potential for an escalation in the intensity and scale of violence in this region.
The USA has already issued a warning to Ukraine regarding Russia’s plans in the Black Sea
According to the White House National Security Council spokesperson, Adam Hodges, the Russian armed forces may start targeting civilian vessels in the Black Sea after their withdrawal from the “grain deal.”
A White House representative has officially warned that the occupiers have already placed additional sea mines near Ukrainian ports. “We believe these are coordinated efforts aimed at justifying any attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea and placing blame for these attacks on Ukraine,” said Adam Hodges.