Ways Russia Could Attack Merchant Ships as ‘Black Sea Grain Deal’ Ends

Russia enforced a blockade of Ukrainian ports. Several merchant ships could be attacked, likely by Russian forces. This was accompanied by a warning (read ‘threat’) to shipping that Russia could not guarantee the safety in the northern Black Sea. The blockade was never legally established but was, in practice, absolute. When Russia’s planned quick victory didn’t materialize, the wider impact of this blockade quickly became evident. Grain shipments, vital for world food stability, were stopped. An international deal was sought to allow innocent merchant trade to resume. Starting in July 2022, the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) allows the export…