Russia will try to stop ships in the Black Sea, but will not attack them – expert on sea war

This opinion was expressed at a briefing at the Media Center Ukraine – Odesa by Dr. Sidharth Kaushal, Research Fellow sea power – military studies of the Royal United Services Institute, London.

He was commenting on the statements by russia and Ukraine that any vessels sailing to the ports of the two countries will be considered to be carrying military cargo.

“The russians are now mining the northern Black Sea. They will become more aggressive and may actually try to stop ships. But they will not fire at them because of the possible international reaction. In addition, they will not approach the Ukrainian coast because of fears of Neptune anti-ship missiles that Ukraine has,” – the expert noted.

He also added that although russia has an advantage in the Black Sea, Ukraine has something to respond.

“We can use missiles. There are static targets in the occupied ports. You can use marine drones, which have already been creatively used against ships in Sevastopol and against the Kerch Bridge…. Ukraine has something to respond with, but the question is the resources spent,” – the expert said.

Context: On July 19, the russian Defense Ministry announced that the decision would come into effect on Wednesday night at midnight Moscow time, or 21.00 GMT. The report says that countries whose flags are on such vessels will be considered as supporting Kyiv in the war.

On July 21, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine warns that from 00:00 on July 21, 2023, all ships sailing in the Black Sea towards the seaports of the russian federation and Ukrainian seaports located in the territory of Ukraine temporarily occupied by russia may be considered by Ukraine as carrying military cargo with all the relevant risks.

In addition, shipping in the areas of the North-Eastern Black Sea and the Kerch-Yenikal Strait of Ukraine is prohibited as dangerous, starting from 05:00 AM on July 20, 2023

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