The Olenegorsky Gornyak warship stands moored at a harbour of Novorossiysk, Russia. - Copyright AP Photo
A Russian naval vessel fired warning shots at a cargo ship en route to the port of Izmail in southern Ukraine, according to a statement by the Russian Defense Ministry. The incident took place in the Black Sea. The cargo ship, named the Sukru Okan and flagged in Palau, allegedly ignored orders to halt for an inspection concerning the possible transportation of prohibited goods.
To halt the vessel, the Russian warship fired warning shots using light automatic weapons. Subsequently, a helicopter with Russian military personnel on board was dispatched to inspect the ship. Eventually, the Sukru Okan was allowed to proceed on its journey to the Ukrainian port.
This incident coincides with Ukraine's efforts to establish a "humanitarian corridor" in the Black Sea to enable trapped cargo ships to depart. However, it remains uncertain whether Russia will acknowledge or respect this plan.
The port of Izmail, located in the Odessa region, has become a significant exit route for Ukrainian agricultural products since Moscow terminated the agreement on grain exports. The termination of this agreement by Moscow has led to tensions, with both sides engaging in a series of attacks in the Black Sea. This includes Russia striking Ukrainian ports like Odessa and river ports such as Izmail and Reni, while Ukraine has targeted the Russian port of Novorossiysk and several Russian ships in the Black Sea.
You can find the original report by Euronews at this link: Euronews - Russian Navy Fires Warning Shots at Cargo Ship in Black Sea.
