In a dramatic move reflecting ongoing tensions, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has seized a foreign cargo ship in the Black Sea near Odesa and detained its captain on suspicion of aiding Moscow in exporting Ukrainian grain from Russian-occupied Crimea.
The SBU, in a statement released on Thursday, disclosed that the vessel, sailing under the flag of a central African nation, had frequented the Crimean port of Sevastopol. According to Ukrainian authorities, the ship was allegedly involved in picking up agricultural products described as “looted” from Ukraine’s southern regions, occupied by Russian forces since the invasion began in 2022.
“The captain and 12 crew members are suspected of assisting Russia in exporting Ukrainian grain, taken unlawfully from occupied territories, to the Middle East on behalf of Moscow,” the SBU declared.
The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the alleged crime and identify any additional individuals involved in the illegal operation, the SBU added. The captain, identified as a citizen of a South Caucasus country, faces potential imprisonment of up to five years for violating Ukrainian travel restrictions concerning Russian-occupied territories.
The Odesa region, a crucial hub for Ukraine’s Black Sea exports, has played a pivotal role in the country’s efforts to resume exports independently of Russian consent. This move follows Moscow’s withdrawal from a UN-brokered agreement last year that had previously permitted Kyiv to export food during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
While specifics regarding previous ship interceptions by Ukraine remain unclear, Ukrainian authorities have consistently accused Russia of illicitly trading Ukrainian grain since the onset of the invasion.
In response to queries about the shift in Ukrainian policy, a law enforcement source informed Reuters, “This is our policy. This vessel and its captain collaborated with the occupiers, and upon entering Ukrainian waters, we responded promptly.”
The detention of the cargo ship and its captain marks a significant escalation in the geopolitical tensions between Ukraine and Russia, focusing attention once again on the disputed status of Crimea and its impact on regional stability.
Sources By Agencies
