The attacks on the Black Sea ports of Ukraine are a crude bid to shut down grain and maize exports, a mainstay of the Ukrainian economy and a mainstay of food aid to Egypt, north Africa and beyond. The blitz followed Russia’s withdrawal from the international agreement to ship Ukrainian produce, under supervision and inspection.
Ending the shipping deal was followed by a threat to attack any ships headed for Ukraine’s ports, on the excuse they might be carrying arms. This implies Putin’s forces are now prepared to attack any foreign freighter in international waters.
