Jul 22, 2023
Russia withdrew from a grain export deal with Ukraine, leading to increased attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure and farm storage buildings in the Odesa region, including a Black Sea blockade.
Image Source: NYT News Service
The attacks are seen as an attempt by Russia to cripple Ukraine's food exports and leverage its exit from the Black Sea Grain Initiative to gain concessions from the West.
Image Source: AP
In response to the conflict, both Russia and Ukraine declared that ships traveling to each other's Black Sea ports could be treated as potential military targets.
Image Source: NYT News Service
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin clarified that the Russian navy will inspect incoming vessels to ensure they are not carrying military cargo before taking further action.
Image Source: AP
President Vladimir Putin of Russia promised to provide free grain to African countries despite the termination of the grain export deal with Ukraine.
Image Source: AFP
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Western countries to address Russia's demands to restore the Black Sea grain corridor, which he helped negotiate.
Image Source: NYT News Service
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy coordinated efforts with Erdogan to restore the operation of the Black Sea Grain initiative and emphasized the priority of unlocking the grain corridor.
Image Source: AFP
The Russian Defense Ministry conducted naval drills to simulate sealing off a section of the Black Sea and fired long-range sea-launched weapons on facilities linked to drone attacks against Russia.
Image Source: AP
Putin claimed that Ukraine's counteroffensive was failing, alleging that the Ukrainian military suffered massive losses and that the West struggled to supply weapons and ammunition.
Image Source: AFP
Zelenskyy announced the resignation of the country's culture minister during wartime, citing misguided spending on non-essential projects like city decorations and renovations.
Image Source: AFP
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