The United States is warning about the possibility of Russia using its own sea mines in a false flag operation to justify the ongoing targeting of civilian grain vessels in the northern Black Sea. White House National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby stated that the Biden administration felt it was important to issue a “warning” regarding Russian disinformation on this matter. Moscow recently released a video claiming to show the seizure and detonation of a Ukrainian sea mine. However, Kirby pointed out that Russia is currently placing sea mines at the entrances to Ukrainian ports and targeting civilian ships transporting food to and from the region. The US believes this is a coordinated effort to justify attacks on civilian ships and blame Ukraine in a false flag operation.
Kirby’s comments come in the wake of Russia’s announcement that it would not renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed ships to transport grain to and from Ukraine as long as they were inspected by a third party to prevent weapons smuggling. Ukraine is the fifth largest exporter of wheat worldwide, supplying over 18 tons of food annually. Since the deal ended, Russia has been targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukrainian port cities, seemingly aiming to disrupt Ukraine’s food supply and its ability to import and export grain. Russian forces have also been placing sea mines around Ukrainian ports. The US is closely monitoring any signs of a Russian false flag operation that could lead to increased attacks on civilian infrastructure and further jeopardize the global food supply. Furthermore, the Biden administration is imposing sanctions on nearly 120 entities deemed responsible for assisting Russia in accessing international finance and military technologies as part of efforts to hold Russia accountable for their actions in the illegal war against Ukraine.
Russia’s decision not to renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative coincides with both Moscow and Kyiv facing challenges in securing victory in the ongoing war. Russia is still dealing with the aftermath of the failed mutiny by the Wagner mercenary group against its military leadership, which has undermined confidence in Putin and raised doubts about the country’s ability to sustain its forces. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russian forces in eastern Ukraine has stalled due to the extensive Russian minefields and concealed hunter-killer teams hindering progress. However, Ukrainian forces did succeed in critically damaging a section of the only bridge connecting Russia to occupied Crimea, a vital supply route for Russian forces in the war. The attack forced the closure of the bridge for the second time in less than a year. Although Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack, a senior defense official stated that details would be revealed after the war was won.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley acknowledged that some stop-and-go progress was expected in the counteroffensive and emphasized the unpredictability and brutality of real war. He attributed much of the slowdown to the extensive countermeasures employed by Russia, including the minefields that they have been preparing since the war’s inception. Gen. Milley noted that there is still a long way to go in the war and that the Ukrainians are working their way through the Russian fortifications, highlighting the need for continued fighting.