Russia Bolsters Ship Protection Amid Escalating Black Sea Attacks

Russia's Transportation Ministry has formed a joint task force with the Defense Ministry to protect commercial ships and reroute freight in the Azov-Black Sea basin.

The move comes as attacks by both Russia and Ukraine on each other's agricultural export facilities and vessels have driven up wheat prices globally.

A sharp escalation of hostile drone attacks has created a 'tense situation' in the region, according to the ministry.

Russia is the world's largest wheat exporter, while Ukraine is also a major agricultural exporter.