Russian strikes on grain-carrying vessels are part of an ongoing maritime war with Ukraine, writes The New York Times. The newspaper notes that attacks on cargo ships in the port of Odesa have virtually paralyzed maritime transport through this key Ukrainian port.
The Russian campaign coincides with the start of the harvest season in Ukraine. Since Ukraine is one of the world's largest producers of wheat, corn, and barley, the attacks could lead to serious problems in the global food supply chain.
The publication recalls that in 2022, the blockade of Ukrainian ports led to a sharp rise in world food prices and the threat of acute food shortages for 70 million people.
Dmytro Barinov, head of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Association, said that Russia is deliberately pursuing ships, calling it a "professional hunt for civilian vessels."