Russia may attack civilian vessels in Black Sea and blame it on Ukraine – White House

This was stated by Adam Hodge, White House National Security Council spokesperson, Reuters reports.

The American authorities have information that the Russian Federation has laid additional sea mines on the approaches to Ukrainian ports.

"We believe that this is a coordinated effort to justify any attacks against civilian ships in the Black Sea and lay blame on Ukraine for these attacks," Hodge noted.

He added that on July 18 and 19, Russia fired missiles and drones at Ukrainian grain ports in Odesa, which led to the destruction of agricultural infrastructure and the destruction of 60,000 tons of grain.

Termination of the grain deal by Russia

On July 16, the last ship carrying Ukrainian agricultural products left Odesa port as part of an agreement. However, on July 17, Russia said they were ending the grain deal. In response, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that despite Russia's withdrawal, they should continue using the grain corridor. Kuleba began urgent talks at the UN.

The White House criticized Russia's decision to leave the grain deal, which had a big role in reducing global food prices.

On July 18, Russia's President's spokesman, Peskov, warned of "certain risks" for anyone trying to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative without Russia's involvement.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized the importance of restoring transport links through the Black Sea to provide food to vulnerable countries worldwide and to maintain Ukraine's ability to export goods.

On July 19, it was reported that Ukraine is considering transporting food through the territorial waters of Bulgaria and neighboring Romania as part of the grain deal.

At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Defense published a statement threatening vessels bound for the Black Sea ports of Ukraine. On the same day, Putin named the conditions for Russia's return to the grain deal and demanded their immediate implementation.