In an interview with the Politico news service, former Supreme Allied Commander Europe of the alliance, Ex-US Admiral James Stavridis, expressed concerns that Russia's escalating activities, such as the boarding of a Turkish cargo ship, might prompt NATO intervention to prevent Ukraine's economy from being severely impacted.
"Russia's activities in the international waters of the Black Sea pose a tangible risk of escalating into naval warfare between NATO and the Russian Federation," Stavridis said. He added that NATO would not tolerate Russia's attempts to strangle Ukraine's economy through an unlawful blockade, after NATO's substantial support to the nation.
Confirming heightened tensions, Russia's defense ministry acknowledged firing warning shots before boarding the Şükrü Okan, a Palau-flagged cargo ship. The inspection occurred in the southwestern Black Sea, near Turkey's coast, a NATO member. Stavridis criticized the tactic as resembling piracy and noted Russia's broader efforts to disrupt trade between Ukraine and Europe.
Stavridis suggested that if Russia continues seizing vessels or deploying intimidation tactics, NATO might respond by establishing a humanitarian shipping corridor. This could involve NATO combat aircraft overseeing vessels to and from Ukraine's Odesa port, potentially with NATO warship escorts.
Tensions in the Black Sea escalated following Russia's unilateral withdrawal from a U.N. grain agreement in July and its subsequent warning that ships heading to Ukrainian ports might be treated as military targets. In response, Ukraine employed a maritime drone to target a tanker, signaling readiness to impact Russian energy exports.
Prior to Russia's withdrawal, the UN-brokered grain deal ensured safe passage for 32.9 million tons of crops from Ukraine's Black Sea ports, preventing potential famine in impoverished nations. Putin's decision to end the agreement led to destruction of Ukrainian grain depots along the Black Sea coast, alongside missile strikes on Ukrainian Danube river ports. Moscow's defense ministry warned that vessels sailing to Ukrainian ports could be perceived as carrying military cargo.
Despite the threats, Kyiv established a "temporary corridor" for maritime traffic from its southern ports, allowing ships confined to harbors to enter international waters. On Wednesday, Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov reported the departure of the first vessel under the Hong Kong flag, despite Moscow's warnings.
(jh)
Source: Politico
