Kyiv - A cargo ship en route to the southern Ukrainian port of Izmail encountered a Russian warship that fired warning shots, as announced by the Russian Defence Ministry on Sunday.

The Russian Defence Ministry conveyed that light automatic weapons were utilized to fire warning shots from a Russian warship in order to compel the cargo ship to halt. The shots were discharged with the intention of prompting the Palau-flagged vessel named the Sukru Okan to cease its journey for an inspection linked to the potential transportation of prohibited goods. Subsequently, a Russian military helicopter took off with personnel on board to conduct an inspection of the ship. Following the inspection, the ship was allowed to continue its course to the Ukrainian port.

This incident coincides with Ukraine's initiation of the registration process for ships seeking to utilize a secure "humanitarian corridor" within the Black Sea. This initiative aims to facilitate the movement of cargo ships that have been stranded, allowing them to finally depart. The response of Russia to this plan remains uncertain.

Izmail, situated in the Odessa region, has emerged as a principal outlet for Ukrainian agricultural exports, particularly after Moscow terminated the agreement concerning grain exports.

In mid-July, Moscow terminated the agreement that had permitted Ukrainian grain exports from southern ports since the previous summer, despite Russia's imposition of a blockade. Shortly thereafter, on July 19, Moscow issued a warning that any ship traveling to or from Ukrainian ports could be deemed a potential target. In response, Kyiv declared that the same principle would be applied to Russian ships.

Since these developments, there has been an escalation of incidents in the Black Sea from both sides, with the Russian military targeting locations such as Odessa, a major southern Ukrainian port, along with the river ports of Izmail and Reni. Kyiv has condemned these attacks as tactics to hinder its exports. In retaliation, Ukraine struck the Russian port of Novorossiysk and several Russian vessels in the Black Sea, including an oil tanker.