Russia has fully closed Black Sea to Ukraine – expert
Russia has completely closed the Black Sea to Ukraine, Ihor Lutsenko, a soldier, co-founder of the Center for Aerial Reconnaissance Support, and former member of Ukraine's 8th convocation parliament, said in an interview with Radio NV on Aug. 12, outlining how he believes Ukraine could respond.
Ukraine's president Ihor Lutsenko announced on August 12 that Russia has fully closed the Black Sea to Ukrainian maritime traffic, according to an interview with Radio NV. Lutsenko explained that Russia's actions are an attempt to regain their image as a strong nation after recent setbacks, such as refinery fires and damaged warehouses.
The closure of Odesa's ports and partial issues with the Danube have contributed to this blockade. Lutsenko emphasized that Ukraine must respond to this blockade to foster distrust in Russia and build international trust. Comparing the Black Sea situation to the Caspian Sea blockade, Lutsenko suggested that Ukraine could target the Baltic Sea, which has a higher volume of oil and petroleum product traffic.
He stressed that Ukraine needs to prepare for a potential Baltic scenario, as Starlink works there without additional permissions. In July, Russia intensified strikes on Ukraine's port infrastructure and civilian fleet, leading to warnings from the United Nations about serious risks to global food security, particularly wheat prices.
Ukraine has been striking Russian vessels in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov nearly daily since early July, contributing to the agricultural exports decline forecasted by Bloomberg.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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