On October 23, 2024, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Tuesday, October 22 that Russia has escalated attacks on the infrastructure of Ukrainian Black Sea ports. This could potentially delay international aid to Palestinians and disrupt critical food supplies to the Global South.
Starmer’s statement emphasized that Russia’s indiscriminate attacks on the Black Sea ports highlight Putin’s willingness to gamble with global food security in order to force Ukraine into submission.
According to Starmer, this behavior “harms millions of vulnerable people in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.”
The United Nations stated on Monday that since September 1, Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian Black Sea ports have damaged six civilian ships and food infrastructure, with the increased attacks being described as “alarming.”
Based on data from the UK Defense Intelligence, at least four merchant ships were attacked by the Russian military between October 5 and 14 in the Black Sea.
The British Prime Minister’s office mentioned that the timing of the increased attacks coincides with Ukraine’s harvest season. Ukraine plays a crucial role in global food security as a major agricultural supplier.
The statement also mentioned that Russia’s strikes delayed the departure of a ship carrying vegetable oil bound for Palestine.
Russian forces have also attacked grain ships destined for Egypt and two ships carrying corn and supplies for the World Food Programme, heading to southern Africa.
Ukraine is a key producer of wheat and corn globally, with the country exporting up to 6 million tons of grains through the Black Sea monthly before the Russian invasion in 2022. Despite the ongoing conflict, grain sales remain a significant source of income for Ukraine.
The British Prime Minister’s office reported that Russian forces have targeted thousands of civilian targets, including hospitals and energy infrastructure.
Since February 2022, Ukraine’s healthcare system has faced 1,522 attack incidents, with 774 attacks resulting in damage or destruction of hospitals and clinics, and 234 healthcare workers losing their lives.
The statement highlighted that the UK has been at the forefront of protecting the Black Sea maritime corridor.
Leading the Maritime Capability Coalition along with Norway, the UK aims to enhance Ukraine’s maritime operations and combat capabilities through the provision of ships, equipment, personnel training, and infrastructure to bolster Black Sea security.
The UK is also prepared to donate an additional £120 million (approximately $156 million) for the Maritime Capability Coalition and seeks partners to contribute in providing hundreds of maritime drones and surveillance radars to safeguard the grain corridor.