Is the Black Sea grain export route blocked again?Russia's offensive intensifies

As the war in Ukraine has entered its second year and eighth month, it has been pointed out that Russian forces are moving to block the Black Sea route again following the beginning of the war.

The New York Times (NYT) reported that Russia has begun to target grain carriers that have been flagged by weaker countries, in addition to the constant bombardment of Ukraine's largest trading port, Odessa.

The U.N. Human Rights Watch of Ukraine (HRMMU) said in a recently released report that the Odesa region has been attacked by Russian forces five times since the 7th of this month, killing 14 civilians and injuring 28 others.

"Russian bombing targets are mainly ports, civilian vessels and grain stores, with 177 vehicles and 22 civilian vessels damaged in the past three months," Oleksiy Kuleba, deputy prime minister for Ukrainian reconstruction, said in a post on Telegram.

On the 7th, the Palau shipping container ship in Odessa was shot by a missile fired by Russian forces, killing one Ukrainian and injuring five foreigners.

Earlier on the 6th, a St. Kitts and Nevis cargo ship carrying corn was also hit by a missile at the port of Fiedenny near Odessa, damaging the hull and other objects.

"These attacks are mainly directed at ships flying small national flags that are unlikely to retaliate against Russia," the NYT noted.

European Union (EEAS) spokesman Peter Stano criticized Russia for resuming its move to weaponize food by blocking exports of grain from Ukraine.

Ukraine, which is located on fertile black soil and nicknamed the "breadbasket of Europe," has exported grain to about 40 countries, including Africa, the Middle East and China, in addition to Europe.

For this reason, when Russia blocked the Black Sea at the beginning of the war and blocked export routes, international food prices soared, leading to a food crisis in developing countries.

Since then, Russian grain exports from Ukraine have gradually increased as Russia has not targeted a cargo ship carrying grain, set to recover to pre-war levels, but the situation has changed in recent weeks, the NYT said.

Ukrainian exporters claimed Russia was again blocking grain exports, hurting Ukraine's economy while selling its crops at high prices.