Russia is disguising its withdrawal from the “grain initiative” with disinformation, – UK intelligence

Russia decided to withdraw from the grain initiative some time ago. The occupiers decided that the agreement was no longer in their interests. This was reported by British intelligence.

They noted that “on July 17, 2023, Russia failed to resume its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative.”

“This has effectively nullified the security agreement, which, despite the war, ensured the safe passage of ships exporting grain from Ukraine. Russia is seeking to deter all merchant ships from Ukrainian ports. Russia probably made the decision to withdraw (from the agreement – Ed.) some time ago because it decided that the agreement was no longer in its interests,” the report said.

The UK intelligence service said that Russia disguised this with disinformation, claiming that its withdrawal was caused by concerns that civilian vessels were at risk from Ukrainian mines and that Ukraine was using the grain corridor for military purposes, while Russia did not provide evidence for its claims.

They recalled that on July 19, the Russian Defense Ministry said that all ships sailing in the Black Sea to Ukrainian ports would be considered “potential carriers of military cargo.”

At the same time, the UK intelligence added, Russia’s attempts to block any trade in the Black Sea will be threatened by Ukrainian surface ships without crew and coastal defense cruise missiles.

Tags: UK, Black Sea grain deal, Russia