Russian Defence Ministry statement regarding vessels travelling towards Ukrainian ports, Black Sea
Issued: 9 months, 1 week ago
Date | Reference | Region | Category | Aggressors | Source |
19 Jul 2023 - 21:00 | CW Alert 016- (Jul 23) | Europe | General alert | Military | Open source |
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The Russian Defence Ministry have issued a statement addressing all international ships travelling towards Ukrainian ports. The statement reads "In connection with the cessation of the functioning of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the сlosing of the maritime humanitarian corridor, from midnight Moscow time on 20 July 2023, all vessels sailing in the waters of the Black Sea to Ukrainian ports will be regarded as potential carriers of military cargo. Accordingly, the countries of such vessels will be considered to be involved in the Ukrainian conflict on the side of the Kyiv regime. In addition, a number of sea areas in the north-western and south-eastern parts of the international waters of the Black Sea have been declared temporarily dangerous for navigation. Corresponding information warnings on the withdrawal of safety guarantees to mariners have been issued in accordance with the established procedure." A White House National Security Council Spokesman has also issued a statement that U.S officials have information indicating that Russia have laid additional sea mines in the approaches to Ukrainian ports. The spokesman also added that U.S officials "believe this is a coordinated effort to justify any attacks against civilian ships in the Black Sea and lay blame on Ukraine for these attacks." |