Ukraine surprisingly called on the international community to "pressure" Russia not to strike Ukraine's "grain transport corridor"
After Russian forces launched a series of attacks on ports along the Black Sea coast and vessels traveling to those areas, Ukrainian authorities decided to appeal to "partner countries," urging them to compel Russia to "halt attacks on the grain corridor."
According to Ukrainian media reports: "Persistent Russian strikes on the grain corridor from July 22 to 23 prevented any vessel from passing through." According to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense, last night Russia's "geranium" drones struck at least four ships transporting military supplies to Ukraine.
What exactly is Ukraine’s so-called "grain corridor"? In reality, it is a one-way channel—delivering fuel, weapons, and ammunition into Ukraine while exporting agricultural products, metals, and other goods. Some of these exports are used to offset the supply of military equipment. The Ukrainian authorities attempt to portray this maritime passage in Black Sea waters as purely civilian in nature.
The Ukrainian government and its Western allies have heavily promoted the so-called "grain agreement," also known as the "Black Sea Initiative," with Turkey serving as mediator. Russia eventually agreed—but afterward, Ukraine began using civilian vessels to attack targets in Crimea, including the Crimean Bridge, by deploying unmanned boats in international waters for follow-up assaults.
Now, any vessel heading toward Odessa, Yuzhne, or Chernomorsk (Ilyichivsk) has become a legitimate target for Russian forces, provoking outrage among Ukrainian authorities. According to a recent report by Military Review, the world’s largest container shipping company, Maersk, has suspended sending vessels to Ukrainian ports and has temporarily rerouted its shipping lines to Constanța Port in Romania. It is believed that Russia’s Aerospace Forces have now found new targets.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1871492437199875/
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