Russia warns of withdrawing security guarantees in the Black Sea

Russia has sent a document to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) warning that if the grain deal continues, Moscow will withdraw maritime safety guarantees in the Black Sea.

"Guarantees on the safety of navigation provided by the Russian side will be withdrawn. At the same time, Russia will take the necessary actions and response measures to neutralize the threats posed by the Kiev authorities in this region, due to ongoing attempts at armed provocations, attacks on Russian military and civilian facilities," - quoted from the Russian text.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kiev hopes to continue grain supplies via the Black Sea without Russia's involvement. Ukraine is awaiting formal confirmation of the proposal from the United Nations and Türkiye.

On July 17, Russia informed Türkiye, Ukraine and the United Nations that Moscow would not accept the extension of the Black Sea grain deal. This means that the maritime humanitarian corridor in the northwestern Black Sea is being restricted, and a dangerous area for navigation may be restored.

With Russia not participating, the Black Sea grain deal officially ended on July 18.

Previously, on July 17, Moscow announced its withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal, saying that the terms related to Russia were not being implemented.

"President Vladimir Putin set a deadline of July 17. Unfortunately, the provisions related to Russia in the Black Sea grain agreement were not implemented. Therefore, the agreement will cease to be effective," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Also on July 17, a section of the Crimean Bridge was destroyed after an emergency incident suspected to be a large explosion. The peninsula authorities announced the closure of the sea route connecting mainland Russia to Crimea. The Russian National Anti-Terrorism Committee said the attack on the Crimean Bridge occurred at 3:05 a.m. Moscow time and was carried out by two Ukrainian drones.

A couple was killed in the incident, while their 14-year-old daughter was injured. The girl was taken to hospital and is in intensive care, RIA Novosti reported.

The Russian Foreign Ministry accused Ukraine of being behind the decision to attack the Crimean bridge. Russia also accused the incident of involving US and British special forces.