Russia responds with the suspension of the grain agreement to attack on Sevastopol

Russia He responded with the indefinite suspension of the agreement for the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea waters to what he called a massive drone attack today against the port of Sevastopol, Crimea, which houses the main Russian naval base in the region.

As a result of the “terrorist attack”, as the Russian Defense Ministry called it, the minesweeper “Iván Golubets” suffered minor damage and a protection network in Sevastopol’s Yúshnaya Bay was also affected.

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Nine drones and seven unmanned aquatic devices were used in the raid, said the military statement, which assured that it was directed by “British specialists” who are in the city of Ochakov, in the Mykolaiv region of Ukraine.

The spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zajárova, declared that Russian diplomacy together with “competent bodies” will study “practical steps” in relation to the participation of the British in the attack on Sevastopol.

RUSSIA ARGUES THAT IT CANNOT GUARANTEE THE SAFETY OF SHIPS

In view of these facts, the diplomat added, “the Russian side cannot guarantee the safety of the merchant ships” that participate in the agreement for the export of grain and “suspends its compliance indefinitely.”

“Relevant instructions have been given to Russian representatives at the Istanbul Joint Coordination Center, which controls the transportation of Ukrainian food,” he said.

Massive drone attack in temporarily occupied Sevastopol. Local channels confirm damage to the frigate Admiral Makarov. Looks like Makarov might eventually follow cruiser Moskva. pic.twitter.com/AhrYF7xoVL

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) October 29, 2022

THE UN ASKS TO PRESERVE THE AGREEMENT

The UN immediately reacted to Moscow’s announcement and advocated the preservation of the agreement.

“We are in contact with the Russian authorities on this matter,” said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the world body’s secretary general, António Guterres.

In a brief statement, Dujarric stressed that it is “vital that all parties refrain from any action that could jeopardize” the agreement, which is a “humanitarian effort that is clearly having a positive impact on access to food for millions of people.” of people in the world”.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accused Russia of using a “false pretext to block the grain corridor, which guaranteed food security for millions of people.”

“I call on all states to demand that the Russian Federation end the Hunger Games and resume fulfilling its obligations,” Kuleba wrote on Twitter.

The minister added that Ukraine had already warned that Russia planned to leave the agreement, which was due to be extended next November.

KYIV SAYS RUSSIAN NEGLIGENCE CAUSED EXPLOSIONS IN SEVASTOPOL

A source from the Ukrainian Interior Ministry indicated that the explosions that occurred in Sevastopol were due to Russian negligence that caused damage to four ships.

“As a result of negligent handling of explosives, four Russian warships were blown up in the Sevastopol Bay,” said Anton Gerashchenko, adviser to the Interior.

Among the damaged ships, he assured, is the frigate “Admiral Makarov”, from which – according to what he said – cruise missiles were fired at the city of Vinnytsia in July, causing the death of dozens of Ukrainian civilians.

For its part, the “South” command of the Ukrainian armed forces indicated that the explosions in the port of the annexed Crimean peninsula could be due to the improper use of anti-aircraft missiles.

There is still smoke in Sevastopol harbor.

Russians sign these images with their famous “No panic!” and say that trainings are taking place.

Local media report that rescuers are trying to put out fire on one of the ships, as seen through binoculars. pic.twitter.com/gjRmcVc051

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) October 29, 2022

“At the moment there is no official confirmation, but there is an understanding that if there is fear of combat insects and aggressive anti-aircraft systems are used against them, the effect can be absolutely the opposite,” spokeswoman for that military group Nataliya Humenyuk told television. .

The spokeswoman alluded to the statement by Russia’s permanent representative to the UN, Vasili Nebenzia, who denounced that Russian troops have found Ukrainian drones that can spread biological agents such as mosquitoes contaminated with viruses.

NEW EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS DESPITE TENSIONS

The events in Sevastopol did not prevent Russia and Ukraine from carrying out a new exchange of prisoners this Saturday, 50 per side.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that “as a result of a negotiation process, 50 Russian soldiers who were in the territory controlled by the kyiv regime were returned.”

The released Russian servicemen will be flown to Moscow for medical treatment.

The last exchange of prisoners took place on the 17th, 110 per side.

Source: Elcomercio

Ronald Payne

I, Ronald Payne, am a journalist and author who dedicated his life to telling the stories that need to be said. I have over 7 years of experience as a reporter and editor, covering everything from politics to business to crime.