Russia Boosts Black Sea Ship Protection Amid Ukraine Tensions
Russia is bolstering its protection of cargo ships in the Black Sea basin as it develops alternative routes amid escalating tensions with Ukraine.
The country's transport ministry has formed a task force, together with the defense ministry, to protect vessels and develop new routes, following a sharp escalation of attacks at sea by both sides in the war.
According to Reuters, Russia's main grain lobby group warned that Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian ships and ports could shut down grain exports via the Black Sea in the near future, pushing up prices and causing hunger in Africa and the Middle East.
The Sea of Azov remains a critical route handling about 25% of Russian grain exports, and its disruption has already pushed wheat prices higher globally.