James Cleverly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UK, has expressed his concern about the possibility of Russia attacking civilian vessels in the Black Sea and hindering the export of Ukrainian grain.

Cleverly stated on Twitter that he will undoubtedly raise the question of this unconscionable behaviour of Russia at the UN Security Council meeting.

"The UK believes that Russia may escalate its campaign to destroy Ukraine’s food exports by targeting civilian ships in the Black Sea.

We will highlight this unconscionable behaviour at the UNSC. Russia should stop holding global food supplies hostage and return to the deal," he wrote.

The UK believes that Russia may escalate its campaign to destroy Ukraine’s food exports by targeting civilian ships in the Black Sea.

We will highlight this unconscionable behaviour at the UNSC. Russia should stop holding global food supplies hostage and return to the deal.

— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) July 25, 2023

On Tuesday, 25 July, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak. The issue of resuming the Black Sea Grain Initiative was also raised during the conversation.

The US State Department has warned that Russia may be preparing a false flag operation in the Black Sea amid a series of attacks on port infrastructure in the south of Ukraine.

On 17 July, Russia announced the suspension of the grain deal and threatened the parties which will continue the initiative without Russia with "risks". Moreover, Russia has started launching mass attacks on the port infrastructure of Odesa and Danube ports.