Russia has suspended its participation in the internationally brokered Black Sea grain initiative, hours after accusing Ukraine of a “massive” drone attack on its Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol in occupied Crimea, the BBC reported on October 29, 2022.
The attack
Russia’s Defence Ministry said nine aerial drones and seven naval drones attacked fleet ships in the port of Sevastopol early on October 29, and that the minesweeper Ivan Golubets and a floating barrier suffered minor damage. It blamed Ukraine and claimed British specialists had helped prepare the attack. Sevastopol’s Russian-installed governor called it the largest drone attack on the city since the war began.
“A false pretext”
Russia said it was suspending its participation in the grain deal indefinitely because ships involved in securing the grain corridor had been targeted. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said: “Moscow is using a false pretext to block the grain corridor, which ensures food security for millions of people.” The UK Ministry of Defence rejected the claim of British involvement as “false statements of epic proportions.”
The grain deal
The Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered by the UN and Turkey in July, allowed Ukraine to resume grain exports from three Black Sea ports after months of Russian blockade, helping ease global food prices. More than 9 million tonnes had been shipped under the deal, which was due for renewal in November.
Sources
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