Read this in The Manila Times digital edition.
MOSCOW: The United Nations on Friday warned of escalating military action in the Black Sea after Russia said its navy carried out a live-fire exercise there, having declared that ships traveling to Ukraine would be considered potential military targets.
This came as Moscow's forces struck the Black Sea port of Odesa for a fourth night in a row, hitting grain silos, officials said.
Speaking to the UN Security Council, which Russia is a member, Rosemary DiCarlo, a senior representative for political affairs, said: "Threats to target civilian vessels in the Black Sea are unacceptable."
HOT STUFF A firefighter tries to extinguish a blaze at an administrative building following a missile strike in the city of Odesa, southern Ukraine on Thursday, July 20, 2023. UKRAINIAN EMERGENCY SERVICE PHOTO VIA AFP
After pulling out of a deal facilitating the safe shipment of grain from Ukraine, Russia has been targeting the Western-backed country's grain supplies and vital infrastructure in its southern ports, including Odesa and Mykolaiv.
"The Russians attacked Odesa with Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea," said Oleg Kiper, the Odesa region's governor.
Moscow targeted local grain silos and "destroyed 100 tons of peas and 20 tons of barley," he said, adding that two people were injured.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the effect of such attacks went well beyond Ukraine.
"We are already seeing the negative effect on global wheat and corn prices which hurts everyone, but especially vulnerable people in the global south," Guterres said in a statement.
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization condemned the attacks on Odesa, saying a preliminary assessment "revealed damage to several museums inside the World Heritage property."
Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed this week to exact revenge after a Ukrainian attack damaged a bridge linking Russia to the annexed Crimea peninsula and killed two people.