On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West of “misleading” grain deals while reiterating Russia’s offer to return them if it could secure guarantees for its own food and fertilizer exports.
Western countries should say Russia has no trouble selling its food products, which are exempt from financial sanctions, and try to use its influence to force other concessions.
Both Ukraine and Russia are among the largest grain exporters in the world.
In fact, the United Nations says blocking Ukrainian exports could lead to a global food crisis.
However, no ships have left Ukrainian ports since the announcement.
Ukraine also hopes to resume exports via an alternative route through the waters of neighboring Romania.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, all ships calling at Ukrainian ports are considered potential military cargo ships.
According to the US, the threat indicated that Moscow could attack civilian shipping.
“We believe this was a coordinated action to justify any attack on civilian ships in the Black Sea and to hold Ukraine responsible for that attack,” said Adam Hodge, spokesman for the White House National Security Council.
