Russia has announced it is suspending its participation in an internationally brokered deal that allows Ukraine to export grain from Black Sea ports.
It comes after Russia accused Ukraine of a “massive” drone attack on the Black Sea fleet in Sevastopol, Crimea.
Ukraine has not recognized the attack, and President Volodymyr Zelensky has called the Russian move “rather predictable.”
Without providing evidence, Russia also accused British troops of involvement in Saturday’s attack.
It also accused Britain of blowing up gas pipelines last month.
In its response, the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) said Russia was “making false claims of an epic scale”.
Russia’s Defense Ministry says the drones used in Saturday’s attack targeted ships involved in a grain deal. He said that one ship sustained minor damage.
Hours later, a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow said: “The Russian side cannot guarantee the safety of civilian dry cargo ships participating in the ‘Black Sea Initiative,’ and will suspend its implementation indefinitely from today.” It suspends.”
It said the move was “in connection with operations by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, led by British experts” and that the operations were “directed … against Russian vessels that carried the aforementioned humanitarian aid.” Ensured the functioning of the Corridor of Compassion”.
Moscow claimed 16 aerial and naval drones were destroyed, and only one was damaged by mines.
It is still unclear if this is indeed the case, with reports suggesting that the flagship frigate was also targeted. Claims and counter-claims have become part of this battle.
President Zelensky said Russia’s decision was not made today but in September “when it stopped the movement of ships with our food production”.
“Why is it that a handful of people somewhere in the Kremlin can decide whether people will have food on their tables in Egypt or in Bangladesh?” he added.
Mr Zielinski said a strong international response was needed, both from the United Nations and the world’s 20 largest economies.
The White House said Russia was “weaponizing food”.
A UN spokesman said the organization, which signed the agreement with Turkey, was in contact with Moscow.
It added that it was “essential that all parties refrain from any action that would undermine the Black Sea Grain Initiative”, which it said provides food for millions of people around the world. There is an important humanitarian effort to improve access to
The agreement allowed Ukraine to resume Black Sea grain exports, which had been halted after Russia invaded the country.
It was personally negotiated by the UN Secretary General and celebrated as a major diplomatic victory that helped alleviate the global food crisis.
But Russia has complained that its own exports are still hampered, and has previously suggested it may not renew the deal.
