Putin blocking hundreds of ships filled with wheat in the Black Sea

[left-of-center2012]

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday accused Russia's President Vladimir Putin of blocking hundreds of ships filled with wheat in the Black Sea.

"Our continent is being rocked by a tectonic shift not seen since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The consequences of this war on Europe's security architecture will be far-reaching. And I'm not just talking about security in military terms, but also energy security and even food security are at stake," she said in a speech to the European Commission.

Von der Leyen added: "The effects of the Russian war go beyond energy of course. They are also disrupting vital food supplies and driving food prices up."
The consequences of this disruption will be felt from Lebanon, Egypt and Tunisia to Africa and the Far East, according to von der Leyen.

"We should not forget that Ukraine alone provides more than half of the world food programs' wheat supply. The shelling and the bombing makes it impossible for Ukrainian farmers to sow," she said. "I call on Putin to let those ships go. Otherwise, he will not only be responsible for a war and death, but also for famine and hunger. Let these ships go," von der Leyen added.

https://abcnews.go.com/International/live-updates/russia-ukraine/?id=83390885#83624006

[Lovie777]

1. Is the Black Sea solely Russia's domain . ..

[left-of-center2012]

2. no

[Tetrachloride]

3. If you want to make Egypt angry against Putin, Putin found a way.

[maxsolomon]

4. He holds the wheat supply hostage.

Remember, he believes WE are attacking HIM, trying to "dismember" Rusher. Causing a global famine will be justified.

[left-of-center2012]

5. The Black Sea

With Russia occupying its northeast shores, it is bordered by six countries - Ukraine to the north, Georgia to the east, Turkey to the south and Bulgaria and Romania to the west. Three of those nations, Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania, are members of NATO and that is a bone of contention for the Kremlin.
https://en.as.com/en/2022/02/25/latest_news/1645814627_130506.html

[WarGamer]

8. Turkey won't allow any NATO/US warships into the Black Sea.

[left-of-center2012]

9. why ?

Turkey belongs to NATO

[WarGamer]

10. They have a cozy relationship with Russia.

[left-of-center2012]

12. Oh

How has Turkey responded to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine?

The Turkish government has designated the Russian invasion as a “war,” giving it the right under the 1936 Montreux Convention to close the Bosporus Strait—which leads to the Black Sea—to warships. Although this action applies to any naval vessel, it is clearly aimed at Russia’s fleet in case Moscow seeks to reinforce the firepower it already has there. Turkey’s decision is, at least, an important symbolic one in support of Ukraine.

[WarGamer]

13. What they don't tell you...

Is that prior to 2/24 Russia beefed up the Black Sea fleet far beyond what it usually is...

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/02/6-russian-warships-and-submarine-now-entering-black-sea-towards-ukraine/

Russia's military build-up around Ukraine is moving into a new phase. Emerging from under a veil of 'drills', 6 landing ships and a submarine are now sailing into the Black Sea. This brings them ever closer to potential operations in Ukraine.

The first part of a Russian Navy amphibious landing ship force, which can carry troops, tanks and supplies, has entered the Dardanelles, connecting the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. This is significant, representing a point of no return in their controversial voyage towards the Black Sea and Ukraine.

They're playing both sides.

Nothing is ever black/white in geopolitics.

Remember... they're still buying high tech military weapons from Russia... recently S400 system that the US is clearly upset about.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/26/erdogan-turkey-could-buy-more-russian-s-400s-despite-us-warnings

Erdogan: Turkey could buy more Russian S-400s despite US warnings
Turkish president says Ankara considering acquiring more of the Russian defence systems in defiance of US objections.

[Tetrachloride]

6. NATO will have to send teams, equipment , etc to clear mines. and maybe a No Fly Zone

for spring planting.

[WarGamer]

11. won't happen...

[left-of-center2012]

15. No

NATO is not going up against Russia unless NATO is attacked

[WarGamer]

7. Despicable... but expected.

Putins strategy at this point is to cause maximum hardship, pain and economic damage on all the "enemy nations" that have sanctioned him.

He's attempting to force the EU/US to back down on sanctions and/or push Ukraine into peace negotiations that favor Putin.

[House of Roberts]

14. Didn't I read of a number of ships carrying sugar to Russia a few days ago?

Block them from getting to Russia, or anything else heading there. This is a reciprocal situation.

[NickB79]

16. North Africa and the Middle East are going to see famine

Putin will kill millions indirectly with his war.