The emergencies ministry released striking images of a fire engulfing twisted metal storehouses, resembling a scene of destruction. According to Kiper, two individuals were injured in the incident, while reports from officials indicated that seven people lost their lives in Russian air strikes elsewhere in Ukraine.
Moscow, attributing these attacks to retaliation, cited a Ukrainian strike on a bridge built by Russia to connect with Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014. Accusing Ukraine of exploiting the sea corridor for launching “terrorist attacks,” Russia carried out the strikes. The Russian Black Sea fleet engaged in missile firing exercises at “floating targets,” warning that any vessels heading towards Ukrainian waters might be carrying arms. Kyiv responded with a similar caution regarding ships bound for Russia.
The strikes inflicted damage on grain export infrastructure and created apprehension over shipping, causing benchmark Chicago wheat futures to soar, marking their most significant weekly gain since the invasion in February 2022.
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According to the UN, the deal had substantially benefited the world’s poorest by reducing global food prices by over 23% since March of the previous year.
Russia contends that not enough Ukrainian grain has reached destitute nations and has taken the initiative to negotiate directly with those most in need. It asserts that it will not re-enter the deal unless it secures better terms for its own food and fertiliser sales.
Western leaders condemn Moscow, accusing it of attempting to ease sanctions imposed due to its invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions have already exempted exports of Russian food. Throughout the conflict, Russian grain has continued to flow through the Black Sea to various markets.
