Russia deliberately sabotages Ukrainian grain exports - British intelligence
British Ministry of Defense reported this on Twitter, citing intelligence, Ukrinform says.
According to the ministry, only one or two vessels are currently being inspected per day, compared to 6-8 in the fall of 2022.
"Russia is likely attempting to force concessions on the re-opening of the Togliatti-Odesa pipeline, which exports ammonia from Russia through Ukraine, via Odesa," the report said.
The intelligence service believes that the situation is complicated by the fact that the pipeline has been damaged in recent days and is currently out of service.
"There is likely to be further Russian rhetoric and obstruction of the BSGI (Black Sea Grain Initiative - ed.) in the weeks prior to the next extension deadline of 16 July 2023," the ministry concluded.
As Ukrinform reported, First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Taras Vysotsky said that the undermining of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant by Russian invaders does not directly affect the grain corridor’s operation, including food shipment.