Access the latest Maritime Security Threat Advisory for the week commencing 17th July 2023.

👉 The last ship traveling under the Black Sea Grain Initiative has left Ukraine's port of Odesa ahead of the deal's deadline.

On Monday, Russia announced its withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, an agreement facilitated by the United Nations, which enabled Ukraine to export significant quantities of grains and oilseeds despite the ongoing war. This accord played a crucial role in ensuring the continuous flow of food from Ukraine, a significant source of agricultural produce, to global markets. However, Russia had previously obstructed the agreement, citing detrimental effects on its own food and fertilizer exports due to "hidden" sanctions imposed by Western nations. Consequently, the deal was ultimately terminated. Subsequently, the Kremlin issued a warning, stating that it could no longer guarantee the safety of shipping in the northwestern Black Sea region.