Russian military vessel threatens civilian ship, raising blockade concerns and international alarms

A video capturing a disturbing incident in the Black Sea, where a Russian military vessel was seen menacing a civilian ship, was shared by the State Border Guard Service on Telegram on July 28.

“Russian military ships continue to act aggressively and audaciously in the waters of the Black Sea, violating all norms of international maritime law,” the post stated.

The video captures a conversation between the Russian ship and the civilian vessel while the latter was passing a Ukrainian seaport. Initially, the Russians inquire about the nationality of the people onboard, followed by questions about the cargo and the presence of any weaponry.

“I am warning you against approaching Ukrainian ports,” the Russians blustered.

“The transportation of any cargo to Ukraine by sea is considered by the Russian side as a potential transfer of military goods.”

Furthermore, they added that “the country under whose flag the ship is sailing will be considered involved in the conflict in Ukraine.”

Russian Black Sea blockade: What’s known

Earlier, Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Operational Command South, revealed that there are signs pointing to Russia’s preparations for establishing a full blockade of the Black Sea. Notably, Russia has been conducting military exercises that include simulations of attacks on civilian vessels.

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Adding to the tension, the U.S. State Department issued a warning echoing Humeniuk’s concerns, cautioning that Russia might attempt to stage an attack from a foreign vessel in the Black Sea or target a ship sailing under a foreign flag.

On July 19, Russia further heightened tensions by declaring that all sea vessels heading to Ukrainian ports would be treated as “military targets.”

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In response, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine warned that all ships bound for Russian ports in the Black Sea, as well as those headed to ports in occupied territories, would be treated as “carrying military cargo with all corresponding risks.”

On July 21, Russia conducted training missile strikes in the Black Sea after threatening to attack all sea vessels heading to Ukraine’s ports.

During the exercises, the Russians deliberately sank the Ukrainian corvette Ternopil, which was seized during the Crimea occupation in 2014.

Read also: US not planning to escort Ukrainian grain cargo ships, says White House

Additionally, UK intelligence noted that after Russia withdrew from the grain initiative, the Russian fleet in the Black Sea shifted its position, preparing for a blockade of Ukraine.

Intelligence suggested that there was a real possibility that the Russian patrol ship Sergei Kotov would be part of a tactical group to intercept merchant vessels destined for Ukraine.

The situation also raises concerns about the potential escalation of hostilities and the scale of military actions on the Black Sea.

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